Sept. 28 — Indiana Heat superstar Caitlin Clark has been named WNBA Rookie of the Year, The Athletic reported Friday night.
The Athletic also reported that Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award.
Clark received this honor because he set several records in his first season in the league.
The No. 1 pick broke the record for assists in a season (337) and assists in a game (19). She is also the first player to score two triple-doubles in her rookie season. Her total score of 769 points (19.2 points per game) is the highest score in a rookie season.
The WNBA has yet to announce the award, but it appears the players have confirmed the award. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) released a statement taking aim at USA Today columnist Kristen Brennan, calling some of the questions she asked during the interview “disgusting.”
“This week is dedicated to celebrating and appreciating the hard work of Aja (Wilson), Kaitlyn, Dijonai (Carrington) and Napheesa and their outstanding performances throughout the season,” the union’s statement began. Brennan had previously complained after she asked Carrington about the Connecticut Sun player’s incidental contact with Clark during the first-round playoff series.
It was previously reported that Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces won the league MVP and Carrington won the Most Improved Player award.
As for Collier, the 28-year-old forward averaged 9.7 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 blocks (both career highs) per game, and averaged 20.4 points in 34 games during the regular season.
Collier most recently scored 38 points and 42 points in the Bobcats’ two first-round playoff games against the Phoenix Mercury, which the team won 2–0.
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