"Bringing that swag": Cooper Flagg & Paige Bueckers weigh in on Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Rookie of the Year debate

Heading into her first season in the WNBA, Caitlin Clark was a heavy favorite to win Rookie of the Year. As the season reaches its midway point, the debate between her and another first-year standout continues to grow.

Aside from Clark, many people in and around the WNBA have claimed that Angel Reese should be ahead of Clark in the ROY race. This discussion has gone on for weeks now, with countless notable names falling on each side.

During a brief interview with Sports Illustrated, Cooper Flagg was asked to weigh in on the Rookie of the Year race in the WNBA. The highly-touted prospect ended up siding with Caitlin Clark.

"I mean I just back her game," Flagg said. "I think she's a really exciting player to watch and I think she's kind of changing the game for them and just bringing that swag."

Later on, UConn star Paige Bueckers was asked her thoughts on the topic. She didn't end up picking a side, saying that you can't go wrong with either player.

"You can't go wrong with Angel or Caitlin," Bueckers said.

With a little less than 20 games to go in the season, Clark and Reese seem to find themselves in a tight race for the prestigious honor.

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Breaking down the Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese Rookie of the Year debate

When looking at a debate like this, the first thing that needs to be looked at is the numbers. In that regard, both players are posting stellar averages in their first year as pros.

Heading into the All-Star/Olympics break, Caitlin Clark is averaging 17.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists. As for Angel Reese, she is putting up strong averages of 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds.

The next thing to consider is what their presence has done for their team's success. At this moment, the Indiana Fever (11-15) are one spot ahead of the Chicago Sky (10-14) in the standings. It's worth mentioning that Indiana only won 13 games last season and nearly matched that total already. Meanwhile, Chicago is only on pace to win two games than they did in 2023.

Another factor to weigh in is the history Caitlin Clark has made this season. First, she became the first rookie to record a triple-double. A week later, the Fever guard made WNBA history by dishing 19 assists in one game.

Reese also etched her name in the history books in the first half of the season. She went on a streak of double-doubles that lasted 15 games.

Both players have put together strong rookie seasons for their respective teams. That said, when looking at historic feats and team success, Clark should have the edge over Reese.