Caitlin Clark's Stellar WNBA Rookie Season Earns Praise from NBA Legend Isiah Thomas

Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas believes Caitlin Clark possesses the "it factor" after her remarkable rookie season in the WNBA, which saw her break multiple records and lead her team to the playoffs.

Basketball Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas has heaped praise on Caitlin Clark's performance in her rookie season in the WNBA, declaring that she possesses the "it factor." Thomas made these comments during an appearance on OutKick's "Don't @ Me with Dan Dakich."

Clark's outstanding season culminated in her being named WNBA Rookie of the Year by an overwhelming majority of voters, with 66 of 67 votes in her favor. Despite this clear consensus, the lone dissenting vote against Clark stirred controversy. The voter who cast this vote for Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese has remained anonymous.

Caitlin Clark's Stellar WNBA Rookie Season Earns Praise from NBA Legend Isiah Thomas

The decision to vote for Reese over Clark has sparked outrage on social media, with many users criticizing the choice. Clark's rookie year statistically surpassed any of the previous WNBA Rookie of the Year winners, including Aliyah Boston, A'ja Wilson, Elena Delle Donne, and Tina Charles.

Clark shattered several league and franchise records during her first WNBA season, including the single-season record for assists, the rookie scoring record, and the most points by a guard in a single season in WNBA history. Reese was initially considered a contender for the Rookie of the Year award, but her season was cut short due to season-ending wrist surgery.

Caitlin Clark's Stellar WNBA Rookie Season Earns Praise from NBA Legend Isiah Thomas

Despite Reese's impressive performance before her injury, Clark widened her lead in nearly every statistical category in the weeks prior and after Reese's season ended. In head-to-head matchups this year, the Indiana Fever, led by Clark, defeated the Chicago Sky, led by Reese, three out of four times.

Clark guided the Fever to the playoffs for the first time in eight years as their leading scorer. In contrast, Reese was the third-leading scorer on a Chicago team that finished with a disappointing 13-27 record, missing the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

Caitlin Clark's Stellar WNBA Rookie Season Earns Praise from NBA Legend Isiah Thomas

Statistically, Clark held advantages in points, assists, and even blocks despite her height disadvantage compared to Reese. However, Reese did surpass Clark in rebounds, with over twice as many rebounds per game. Reese holds the single-season record for rebounds, but MVP A'ja Wilson broke this record in the final week of the season.

Despite the statistical disparities, Reese had vocal supporters, including former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah, who argued that he would have voted for Reese over Clark for Rookie of the Year due to her resemblance to his own style of play.

Despite the controversy surrounding the lone vote against her, Caitlin Clark's stellar rookie season in the WNBA has earned widespread recognition and praise from legendary players like Isiah Thomas. Her remarkable achievements have solidified her status as a rising star in the league and a player with immense potential.