The 2024 WNBA season is off and running for one of the most anticipated rookie classes in league history. With the WNBA at a tipping point, all eyes are on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in April's draft and the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer.
But the rookie class is loaded with potential future stars. In addition to Clark, forwards Cameron Brink, the No. 2 draft pick with the Los Angeles Sparks, and Angel Reese, the No. 7 pick to the Chicago Sky, continue to be among the rookies in starting lineups.
How are the top rookies playing? We'll track their performances every time they take the court, so check back every game day.
Looking for center Kamilla Cardoso? She's sidelined with a shoulder injury suffered in early May. When she returns, we'll add the Sky's No. 3 pick -- and other rookies as the season progresses.
Last updated: May 30
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever
Guard | 6-foot-0 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Coming off her season-high 30-point outing against the Sparks on Tuesday, Clark tallied at least 20 points in consecutive games for the first time of her career, finishing with 20 points (6-for-17 shooting, 3-for-8 from the 3-point line) in the Fever's 103-88 loss to the Storm on Thursday. It was also the most Clark has played in a pro game, as she sat for just four seconds of the contest. Her 9 assists were also a season high, and Indiana's overall assist rate of 72.4% was its second best of 2024.
Clark had some strong moments getting into the paint and either keeping her dribble alive or distributing to teammates, even if they didn't convert their shots; she also had some bad-pass turnovers, finishing with seven giveaways on the night.
Clark became the first player in league history with 150 points, 50 assists and 10 blocks through a team's first 10 games of the season, as well as the first rookie with 50 points and 15 assists in a two-game span. But she also has more turnovers (51) in her first nine games than any other rookie in league history.
What stood out: No matter how much Clark and the Fever might figure things out offensively, they're not going to win many games until they improve on the defensive end. The Storm's 103 points were the most they've scored this season, and for most of the game it looked like Seattle -- which shot 56% from the field and 42.1% from 3 -- was able to do whatever it wanted.
It was promising to see NaLyssa Smith (23 points) and Katie Lou Samuelson (12 points) have strong evenings, and Clark sufficiently scored and facilitated, but offensively the unit is still working to establish not just chemistry but a real identity. Clark picked up her third technical of the season (second in two games) after getting into it with Victoria Vivians (who was also assessed a tech). Players are suspended in the WNBA after picking up their seventh technical in a season, so Clark will want to be careful moving forward with so much time left in the season. -- Alexa Philippou
Up next: vs. Chicago Sky on Saturday (noon ET, ESPN)
Angel Reese, Chicago Sky
Forward | 6-foot-3 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Statistically, Thursday was quieter for Reese. But she still played an important role for the Sky, who defeated the Sparks 83-73 for their first victory at home this season.
Reese had 6 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals for the Sky (3-3). It was the first time she hasn't scored in double figures in her six-game WNBA career. But Reese finished at plus-17, tied with teammate Marina Mabrey for the top plus/minus for Chicago. Reese was 3-of-8 from the field and played 25 minutes. Fellow frontcourt starter, center Elizabeth Williams, had her best game of the season with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 4 blocked shots and 4 steals.
What stood out: Reese wasn't a focal point of the offense, didn't get to the free throw line and didn't block any shots. Yet she still had an impact on the victory, especially being able to help close it out despite picking up her fifth foul with 8:22 left in the game. This was the first meeting this season between the Sky and the Sparks. Next up, Reese faces Caitlin Clark for the first time since the Albany 2 Regional final in the NCAA tournament, when Iowa beat LSU.
Center Kamila Cardoso, who has been out with a shoulder injury since a preseason game May 3, has said she hopes to be in action Saturday. -- Michael Voepel
Up next: at Indiana Fever on Saturday (noon ET, ESPN)
Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks
Forward | 6-foot-2 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: With guard Layshia Clarendon out a second consecutive game due to concussion protocol, Jackson got another start Thursday as the Sparks fell 83-73 at Chicago. Jackson's offensive efficiency has stood out; she was 4-of-5 from the field and 2-of-3 from the foul line for 10 points vs. the Sky. She also had 5 rebounds. Jackson is shooting a team-best 53.3% from the field in the Sparks' seven games, which suggests perhaps she should be getting more touches. She has scored in double figures four times.
What stood out: Jackson has responded well to being in the starting lineup. Ideally, a frontcourt with Dearica Hamby (24 points, 13 rebounds Thursday), Cameron Brink and Jackson should be strong. The Sparks just need time for it to jell. -- Voepel
Up next: at Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (6 p.m. ET)
Cameron Brink, Los Angeles Sparks
Forward | 6-foot-4 | Game log | Stats
Last time out: Brink had 7 points -- on 2-of-6 shooting -- 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals in the Sparks' 83-73 loss at Chicago on Thursday. After a season-best 21 points on Sunday, she has had two single-digit scoring outings.
What stood out: Brink's post moves as a WNBA player in several instances have been very good, and it seems it is only a matter of time before she is a consistent double-double threat. But as we mentioned after Tuesday's win at Indiana, in which Brink was limited to 3 points, inconsistency is a part of acclimating to the pro league. That said, the Sparks guards didn't help Brink or Jackson much Thursday, as they were a combined 7-of-27 from field (25.9%). -- Voepel
Up next: at Phoenix Mercury on Sunday (6 p.m. ET)