Joakim Noah Weighs in on WNBA Rookie of the Year Race

Former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah believes Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese deserves the WNBA Rookie of the Year award over Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, citing Reese's similar playing style to his.

Former NBA All-Star Joakim Noah has cast his vote in the heated WNBA Rookie of the Year debate, siding with Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese over Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark.

In an interview at NBA Night at the Emirates Suite at the U.S. Open, Noah explained his reasoning for preferring Reese, despite Clark's statistically superior performance this season.

Joakim Noah Weighs in on WNBA Rookie of the Year Race

"When I look at her play, she reminds me a lot of myself," Noah said of Reese. "She's a physical presence, she rebounds well, and she can score in the paint."

Noah's bias towards Reese is evident in his own playing style. The 6-foot-11 Noah was a defensive presence at center throughout his career, known for his physical play and rebounding prowess. Reese, at 6-foot-3, shares many of these same attributes.

Joakim Noah Weighs in on WNBA Rookie of the Year Race

Reese's size advantage over Clark has resulted in her dominating on the boards, averaging 13.2 rebounds per game compared to Clark's 5.8. In head-to-head matchups this year, Reese has out-rebounded Clark in all four meetings.

While Clark has the better averages in terms of points, assists, steals, blocks, and shooting percentages, Noah believes Reese's rebounding and physical presence give her the edge.

Joakim Noah Weighs in on WNBA Rookie of the Year Race

"She's Chicago Sky, I'm Chicago," Noah said with a smile.

Noah's experience with a transcendent young player in his own career also influences his opinion. In 2009, he witnessed Derrick Rose's dominant Rookie of the Year campaign with the Chicago Bulls.

"I think Angel Reese has that same kind of potential," Noah said. "She's a special player, and I'm excited to see what she can accomplish in the WNBA."

Despite Noah's support for Reese, Clark remains the favorite to win Rookie of the Year. Her outstanding offensive numbers and team success have put her in pole position with just six games remaining in the season.

On Wednesday night, Clark became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 100 3-pointers in a season in the second triple-double of her career. On Sunday, she surpassed Tamika Catchings for the most points in a single season by a rookie in Fever history.

"That being said, Caitlin Clark is a beast," Noah said. "She's making this a much bigger business."

Ultimately, the Rookie of the Year race will come down to a close vote. Reese's physical presence and rebounding prowess give her a strong case, while Clark's offensive brilliance and team success cannot be ignored.