WNBA rookies are entering the league more and more prepared every year. They are ready to be stars, play big roles immediately, and break records left and right. This year’s rookie class has been incredibly impactful, and not just when it comes to top draft picks. Rookies like Pauline Astier, Sydney Taylor, and Laura Juskaite have also played very well.
With the season almost over, it is time to think about awards and league honors. Rookie of the Year is an easy choice. Olivia Miles basically locked that award up as soon as she stepped onto the court for the Minnesota Lynx. The All-Rookie Team also fills up quickly. Miles, Azzi Fudd, and Taylor are basically locks to make it. That leaves two spots for Kiki Rice, Astier, Awa Fam, Flau’jae Johnson, and Juskaite.
With more international players coming over and rookies more ready than ever, the WNBA should consider implementing a second All-Rookie team because some very deserving players will be left off this year’s team.
A second All-Rookie team would fill out quickly as well
Assuming that Miles, Fudd, and Taylor take three of the five spots on the All-Rookie team, it really comes down to what voters value most for the other two spots.
Rice has been great, but the time she missed due to injury might take her out of the running for some voters. Johnson has put up huge numbers in several games, but struggles with efficiency and the Storm are losing a ton. Fam, likewise, is a tremendous talent, but hasn’t impacted winning like Astier, for example.
I’d personally have Miles, Taylor, Fudd, Rice, and Astier on the All-Rookie Team. Astier gets an edge because she’s a productive starter for a playoff team, and Rice because she has been very effective when healthy. That would leave Johnson, Fam, Juskaite, and Lauren Betts as easy picks for a potential second team. Betts may not play as much as other rookies, but she has been good for the Mystics, making one wonder what numbers she’d put up in a bigger role.
The final spot could go to someone like Noemie Borchant, who earned a starting spot with the Mercury, or Charlisse Leger-Walker, who is starting for the Sun as a second-round pick. Moreover, Cotie McMahon could receive some recognition for her role in the Mystics’ success, or Frieda Bühner for what she has done with the Portland Fire.
There is enough talent to fill out two All-Rookie teams, and that trend will undoubtedly continue in future seasons.
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