There are a lot more eyes on the WNBA this season as popular collegiate standouts Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink among others transitioned into the big leagues. And these young stars are quickly understanding the WNBA learning curve.
Their starpower was one of the reasons why this year’s WNBA Draft saw its highest viewership in league history. But like Uncle Ben told us long ago, with great power comes great responsibility…and great expectations.
Especially from first time viewers expecting Caitlin Clark to pull 30-foot bombs like she did at Iowa. But let me assure you, new WNBA fans, these growing pains that Clark and the rest of this talented rookie class is going through is nothing to overreact to.
As a matter of fact, the WNBA learning curve is completely normal. Let’s break it down with each of the rookies going through their learning moments.
Caitlin Clark
Clark is fresh off a career-high 30-point game against Cameron Brink’s Los Angeles Sparks. It seems like she’s getting in the offensive groove she was used to just a few short months ago.
Her counting stats so far are nothing to sneeze at, 17.3 points, 6.3 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. But there’s concerns over her efficiency, as she’s shooting 38.1% from the field and 31.3% from three. Not to mention her 5.5 turnovers per game.
But this isn’t cause for a mass uproar or calls that she’s a bust. This is a tale as old as time with ball dominant guards who transition to the W.
Look no further than Sabrina Ionescu, who had the world by storm at the University of Oregon. In college she was the all-time leader in triple-doubles and the only Division I player on record to record 2,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 1,000 rebounds in a career.
She was the 1st overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft to the New York Liberty, and unfortunately missed 33 games in her rookie season due to injury. But in her first full season she experienced that same learning curve that Clark is dealing with now.
Ionescu averaged 11.7 points, 6.1 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game shooting 37.9% from the field and 32.5% from three. And similar turnover numbers as well with 3.2 a game.
And Ionescu isn’t the only example. Previous NCAA women’s all-time scoring leader Kelsey Plum had a very similar situation as Clark. She was the 1st overall pick in the 2017 WNBA Draft to the struggling San Antonio Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces).
And she struggled even more than Ionescu did, averaging 8.5 points, 3.4 assists and 1.9 rebounds per game shooting 34.6% from the field and 36.5% from three.
Both Plum and Ionescu went on to become all-stars, with Plum being a pivotal part of the back-to-back championships for the Aces. Knowing the talent of Clark, she’s surely destined for greatness in her own right.
Angel Reese
The Chi-Town Barbie is turning more heads with her impressive rebounding and defensive prowess so far this season. Just last night she recorded her first career double double in just her fifth WNBA game.
But much like Clark, Reese’s counting stats look great, but her efficiency raises concern. Reese is averaging 12.0 points and 8.6 rebounds per game, but shooting 37.3% from the field. Many believe that Reese fell in the draft due to her limited offensive versatility.
One recent example of a forward with high expectations was Satou Sabally, who was drafted 2nd overall in the 2020 WNBA Draft to the Dallas Wings.
In her rookie campaign, she averaged 13.9 points and 7.8 rebounds per game shooting 36.8% from the field. Just last season she won Most Improved Player and was named to the All-WNBA First Team.
So once again, new WNBA fans, relax. It takes time for rookies to get adjusted to the WNBA learning curve. Remember, these athletes were barely a week removed from their collegiate season when they were drafted. Give them time and grace, you’ll look back on this season fondly later down the line.