The 2024 WNBA rookie class has already made a splash in the basketball world. This year’s draft was incredibly strong and already churned out several phenomenal players and future stars. Despite the 2024 draft class being such a successful group, the Rookie of the Year conversation has been dominated by two names: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Both have put together historic rookie seasons and while Reese is out with an injury, Clark and the Fever are only adding to their successful season. The Rookie of the Year award is officially Clark’s, it seems, and she more than deserves it.
Amid the craze around Clark and Reese, other rookies have flown under the radar. So, let’s take a look at some of the more underrated rookies this WNBA season.
3. Leonie Fiebich
New York Liberty rookie Leonie Fiebich is starting to be recognized for her season, ranking third in ESPN’s latest WNBA rookie rankings. Her numbers may not jump off the page, as Fiebich is currently averaging 6.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, but she is a huge part of the Liberty’s success.
Fiebich is not an ordinary rookie, having plenty of experience playing professionally overseas, but her emergence as a key piece for the WNBA’s best team was still a surprise. She was not on many people’s rookie radars.
Fiebich may not play as big of a role as some of the other rookies but she contributes to winning basketball and has shown that she can step up her game if needed. While the Liberty were dealing with some injuries on the wing, Fiebich stepped up, proving herself as an impactful role player, and has been playing big minutes ever since.
Shooting 42.9 percent from three, she leads all rookies in 3-point percentage by quite a margin. It is safe to say that Fiebich’s first WNBA season has been a success. Now, she just needs to prove herself in the playoffs.