Yahoo Sports’ Jason Fitz and Caroline Fenton discuss if Paige Bueckers is having a better rookie season than Caitlin Clark.
Video Transcript
Another feat for Paige Beckers joins Caitlyn Clark as the second rookie in WNBA history to record 500 or more points, 150 or more assists, 100 or more rebounds, and 50 or more steals in a season.
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#Welcome to the W. Who’s having the better rookie season?
Like I we’re allowed to ask these things, Caroline.
I just have to say aloud, like we all understand the stardom that that is associated with Caitlyn Clark.
But at some point right now, what we’re looking at this year from Paige raises the question, who’s having the better rookie season?
Was it, was it Caitlyn last year or is it Paige this year?
It’s a fun and fascinating question, and I think the fact that we can even have a fair and justified conversation about this proves that the league is in very good hands with some of its young talent because it felt like Caitlyn’s rookie season was larger than life.
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That’s because it was for so many intents and purposes.
But their stats, like, as you can see it right there in that graphic, they are eerily similar.
Caitlyn and her rookie year averaged 19 points a game.
Right now, Paige is averaging 18.9.
Caitlyn was averaging 5.7 rebounds.
Paige at 3.8 and 5.3 assists, where Caitlyn was averaging 8.4.
I mean, like, their stats are so incredibly similar.
And I think that you also have to weigh impact that Caitlyn Clark had a massive impact on the sports world, on the WNBA.
The reason why a large reason why the TV contracts are going up, a large reason why the WNBA has had more attendees this year than any other season in its history is because of the framework that Caitlyn Clark laid that she is demanding eyes on this sport.
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So I think impact, you have to say Caitlyn Clark has had an immeasurable impact on this league, but.
Is following very close behind her.
So who is having a better rookie season?
I think just by the impact that Caitlyn Clark had on sports, you have to say her, but Paige is right there.
The fact that Paige has been able to do this is really incredible, but she didn’t do it with the same level of pressure that has been on Caitlyn from the minute she stepped into the league.
There have been people expecting.
Caitlyn’s greatness, no matter what, what was accomplished, it wasn’t going to be enough.
There are people who have been rooting for the downfall of Caitlyn from the minute she stepped into the league.
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Like, it just feels like there’s been a conversation around Caitlyn everywhere she goes, everything she does, and in every way that she does it.
And she’s never just able to be a human being.
She’s Caitlyn Clark and everything that she does.
That creates more pressure.
