Rookies Aaliyah Edwards and Julie Vanloo play for the Washington Mystics. Photo Courtesy WNBA/Washington Mystics.
The conversation surrounding rookies in the WNBA has admittedly been dominated by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. While Clark and Reese emerged as the top contenders for the Rookie of the Year accolade that Clark eventually won, other rookies throughout the league were also busy doing their best to help their teams and strut their stuff in their professional debuts.
In addition to Clark and Reese, this year's All-Rookie Team team included Rickea Jackson, Leonie Fiebich, and Kamilla Cardoso. Let's look at their performances, along with a few others who just missed the team.
Rickea Jackson, Los Angeles Sparks
Grade: A
Jackson’s inclusion on the 2024 All-Rookie Team finally brought to light her efforts with the Sparks during the regular season. Jackson averaged 13.4 PPG over the 40 games she played. In the Sparks’ final regular season game against the Minnesota Lynx, Jackson had a notable eight rebounds and two blocks.
Her highlights near the end of the regular season included two 22-point games against the Seattle Storm, where she shined despite a pair of Sparks losses. With the Sparks short-handed after fellow rookie Cameron Brink tore her ACL in June, Jackson seamlessly stepped in to become a valuable bench player for the team.
Jackson was a rookie to watch this season, and her skills will only improve from here.
Leonie Fiebich, New York Liberty
Grade: A+
Despite being drafted by the Sparks in 2022, Fiebich played her first WNBA season this year with the New York Liberty. Fiebich had a breakout season for the Liberty, averaging 6.7 points across 40 games and becoming a defensive force for the team. Near the end of the regular season, Fiebich was moved into the Liberty’s starting lineup, further proving her contribution to the team to be valuable.
Fiebich has also been a valuable resource for the Liberty during the postseason, averaging 10.4 points per game in the five playoff games she has played in. In tough games for the Liberty, Fiebich has proven herself time and time again to be someone who can come off the bench and get the team back into rhythm. During a tough game against the Las Vegas Aces in the Liberty’s semi-final series, Fiebich scored 10 points in 38 minutes played, which helped make the difference when star Sabrina Ionescu ended the game with only four points.
With 21 votes, Fiebich came in second for the Sixth Woman of the Year award, showing that even as a rookie her skills are being noted by those who watch the league. With this much success early on, and a trip to the finals for the Liberty on the way, Fiebich will surely make more waves in year two.
Alissa Pili, Minnesota Lynx
Grade: B+
Despite limited playing time on a stacked Lynx roster, rookie Alissa Pili has made her presence known throughout the season.
Pili averaged 2.4 points per game and six minutes of playing time for the regular season, though she has only played one minute in the postseason so far. Pili has proven herself a defensive and offensive asset for the team, as she averaged 0.2 steals and 1.2 rebounds per game during the regular season.
In a win against the Phoenix Mercury in May, Pili scored 20 points in 15 minutes of playing time, maximizing her efficiency on the court.
Aaliyah Edwards, Washington Mystics
Grade: B-
Edwards averaged 21.8 minutes per game and 7.6 points per game in her first season with the Mystics.
Edwards has proven to be an effective role player for a team that struggled throughout the regular season, but almost clinched a playoff spot in the postseason. Edwards rarely has a game go by without getting a steal, proving herself to be an asset for the team defensively.
More playing time for Edwards could prove to be a good investment for the team as they move forward.
With a longer offseason to practice and hone their skills, there’s no telling what these rookies will do for their teams in their second year of professional play.
Edited by Emily Tsipis
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