Jason Whitlock Defends Caitlin Clark’s ROTY Bid

by Nicholas Edwards · 13/07/2024

Jason Whitlock defends Caitlin Clark on social media, claiming her intense defensive coverage surpasses that of Michael Jordan. Clark and Angel Reese vie for WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Bollywood Fever: Jason Whitlock has taken to social media to staunchly defend Caitlin Clark, arguing that the defensive attention she faces in the WNBA rivals that experienced by Michael Jordan during his NBA career. Whitlock’s comments came in response to a fan on X, who was discussing Clark’s high turnover rate and her candidacy for the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year (ROTY) award over Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky.

Jason Whitlock Defends Caitlin Clark's ROTY Bid — Getty Images

A fan highlighted Clark’s turnovers, suggesting they were partly due to her teammates not being on the same level. Whitlock, 57, replied, “Clark’s high turnovers are a direct result of the unprecedented defensive attention she receives in every single game. Jordan wasn’t defended the way Clark has been. Plus, she’s a risk-taker/gambler because she’s so much more skilled than 97% of the players.”

Despite leading the league in turnovers with 5.5 per game, Clark is also one of only two players in the WNBA averaging at least 15 points (16.7), 5 rebounds (5.9), and 5 assists (7.6). On Friday, she broke the Indiana Fever’s franchise record for most assists in a quarter with nine, contributing to a 96-85 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.

Clark currently leads Angel Reese in the ROTY race, according to a national panel of voters who rank The Associated Press’ Power Poll weekly. At the midpoint of the season, the panel favors Clark with a 9-5 vote, with one abstention. Clark’s performance includes leading the WNBA in points accounted for (points plus points off assists) with 713 and being the first rookie to achieve a triple-double in a game against New York.

Angel Reese, meanwhile, has made her mark by setting the WNBA record for consecutive double-doubles with 13, surpassing Candace Parker’s record of 12. Reese leads the league in rebounding with an average of 11.9 per game.

Both Clark and Reese have significantly boosted the league’s ratings, attendance, and merchandise sales. Their record-setting rookie seasons have garnered national attention, making them the first rookie duo to make an All-Star team since 2014. Despite the close competition, many believe Clark has the edge for the ROTY award at this juncture.

In addition to the ROTY race, the panel unanimously selected Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson as the Player of the Year at this point in the season. Wilson, who felt she deserved the award last year, has been dominant this season, averaging 27.0 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. She recently became the Aces’ all-time scoring leader.

With much of the season still ahead, the competition for ROTY remains fierce, but as of now, Caitlin Clark is leading the pack, supported by both her performance and advocates like Jason Whitlock.

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