The 2024 WNBA rookie class has been one of the most exciting groups of newcomers in recent memory. Not only have they brought incredible skill and talent to the league, but they’ve also brought a whole new generation of fans. Here’s a ranking of the top 10 rookies in the 2024 season.
10. Kate Martin
There’s no question Kate Martin was the feel-good story of the WNBA this season. A rookie out of Iowa, very few people expected she would make a roster, let alone play solid minutes at any point during the season, and she did just that with the Las Vegas Aces. While she barely saw the court following the Olympic break, she proved herself as a solid role player who can knock down threes and rarely make mistakes.
9. Julie Vanloo
It may be unfair to consider Julie Vanloo a rookie as she played professionally in Europe for years before making her way to the Washington Mystics, but technically this was her first season in the WNBA. And, despite the Mystics not being very good, Vanloo averaged just over seven points per game.
8. Jacy Sheldon
Jacy Sheldon was drafted to a struggling Dallas Wings team, but she worked hard and earned solid minutes this season. While there’s still a lot of room for improvement, especially on the defensive end, she did average just over five points per game.
7. Aaliyah Edwards
Aaliyah Edwards took a little time to adjust to the speed of the WNBA, but by the end of the season, she seemed to have found her footing. Averaging just over seven points per game, Edwards will be a force in the league for a long time.
6. Cameron Brink
Cameron Brink sadly tore her ACL very early into the 2024 season, but she still played very well in the games she was able to play in. Her skills as a shot blocker are undeniable and the Los Angeles Sparks really missed her presence when she was out.
5. Kamilla Cardoso
Kamilla Cardoso had a slower start to her WNBA career, especially because she had to deal with an injury early in the season, but she improved drastically by the end. Her upside is undeniable and she is only going to get better as the seasons go on.
4. Rickea Jackson
The Los Angeles Sparks struggled for most of the season, but there’s no question Rickea Jackson was a bright spot for the team. Jackson can score from anywhere, has the size to take on any player, and clearly has a very high basketball IQ.
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3. Leonie Fiebich
Leonie Fiebich, a rookie out of Germany, won a WNBA championship in her first year in the league and was a major contributor to the team. While she’s not a flashy player, she can make shots and she plays great defense. She’ll be in the league for a very long time!
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2. Angel Reese
Angel Reese had an incredible rookie season. Not only did she break the WNBA record for most consecutive double-doubles, but her energy was outstanding. Despite Chicago ultimately not making the playoffs, Reese showed her dominance and also brought many more fans to the WNBA.
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1. Caitlin Clark
There’s really no debate here. Not only did Caitlin Clark smash records left and right, but she elevated the WNBA to a whole new level when she got drafted by the Indiana Fever. She led her team to the playoffs for the first time in years and introduced a whole new generation of fans to the WNBA.
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