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    • Why Caitlin Clark made the All-WNBA first team as a rookie
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    Why Caitlin Clark made the All-WNBA first team as a rookie

    Kathleen William Posted on

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    Caitlin Clark cemented herself in elite company once again after her massive WNBA debut.

    Clark joined the likes of Phoenix Mercury star Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings on Wednesday, becoming the fifth rookie to make the All-WNBA first team since 2000. She is the first rookie to receive this honor since Parker in 2008.

    While Clark didn't win the MVP title in her rookie season like Parker did, she finished fourth in MVP voting and easily won the Rookie of the Year title.

    Clark averaged 19.2 points, a WNBA-high 8.4 assists, 5.7 rebounds and 1.33 steals. She recorded a WNBA record 337 assists and led the league with 122 three-pointers made, which was the second-highest total in league history. She set the WNBA single-game record for assists (19) and recorded the first two triple-doubles by a rookie in league history.

    In the All-WNBA voting, Clark received 52 of 67 first-team votes from local and national media and 14 second-team votes. All but one voter had them on their first or second team ballots.

    Many complained about the decision to exclude her from the Olympic team that won its eighth straight gold medal this summer, but Clark's play benefited from the Olympic break.

    Clark had little time between playing in the national championship with Iowa and training camp with the Indiana Fever. Her college commitments also prevented her from attending key U.S. national team training camps, which resulted in her not being selected.

    Before the Olympic break, Clark averaged 17.1 points, 8.2 assists and 5.8 rebounds. After halftime, she showed off her elite play, helping the Fever to a 9-5 finish and securing a spot in the playoffs.

    Clark recorded 23.1 points, 8.9 assists and 5.4 rebounds, making her a sure shot for multiple season-ending honors, including first-team All-WNBA.

    Mercury star Kahleah Copper appeared poised to make the All-WNBA first team at the start of the season, but had to settle for second-team honors. She had 53 votes from 67 voters.

    Copper ranked third in the WNBA in career scoring with 21.7 points per game. She also had the second-most games with at least 30 points (nine) and was the only player to score two consecutive games with 30 or more points.

    However, she achieved better performance before the Olympic break (23.2 points and 4.6 rebounds). Copper was named to the U.S. Olympic team, but that didn't give her much of a break. As a result, her performance dropped and she averaged 16.8 points in 12 games and had one game with at least 30 points.

    Despite her retirement, Copper remained one of the league's best players and had the best numbers of her nine-year career. Copper and members of the All-WNBA second team will receive $5,150, while first team members will receive $10,300.

    A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces, who was unanimous MVP, and Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx, Defensive Player of the Year, were unanimously selected to the All-WNBA first team. Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty received 65 first-team votes and two second-team votes, and Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun received 39 first-team votes and 20 second-team votes.

    The All-WNBA second team consisted of Sabrina Ionescu, Nneka Ogwumike, Arike Ogunbowale and Jonquel Jones.

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    Kathleen William
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