Dawn Staley gives verdict on two-horse WNBA ROY race between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark find themselves amid a closely contested race for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award and Dawn Staley is the latest to give her verdict on who she believes deserves to win the award.

The Indiana Fever's Clark and the Chicago Sky's Reese have both had outstanding rookie seasons and a valid case could be made for either to take home the coveted prize. According to Staley, however, there is a clear front-runner.

"At this time -- today -- it's Angel. Without a doubt," Staley told TMZ Sports.

Few people understand Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark's strengths and weaknesses better than Staley. The former first-round pick went on to play in over 250 WNBA games and was a six-time All-Star. After retiring as a player, Staley has gone on to establish herself as one of the game's elite coaches and has proven time and time again that she has a real eye for talent.

The South Carolina head coach highlighted Reese's incredible double-double streak as one of the key reasons she feels the former LSU star holds the edge. Reese has recorded 15 straight double-doubles, shattering Candace Parker's previous record of 12 achieved between the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Overall, Reese is averaging 13.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.5 steals over 22 games. Staley did state that we are still early in the season and that she could foresee Clark eventually overtaking Reese down the line.

"Caitlin is coming," added Staley.

Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, has been exceptional this year, averaging 16.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 7.8 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Clark achieved her own unique milestone this year when she became the first rookie in the league's history to log a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists against the New York Liberty on July 6.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark's strong seasons have both the Fever and Sky in playoff contention

Caitlin Clark shoots against Angel Reese in the 2024 NCAA Tournament at MVP Arena. (Photo Credit: Imagn)

Dawn Staley did have another noteworthy comment, which could affect the outcome of this Rookie of the Year race:

"I say this, whatever team makes the playoffs, that's our Rookie of the Year," added Staley.

Strong performances from both Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have their respective teams in the playoff hunt. The Indiana Fever currently hold a slight advantage with a 10-14 record that sees them holding on to seventh place in the league. The Chicago Sky's 9-13 record has them one spot below in eighth position.

The top eight teams will qualify for the WNBA playoffs that are set to begin on September 22.