Overview

• Citing a new podcast discussion, analyst Sabreena Merchant argued Caitlin Clark’s rookie year remains stronger based on broader stat leads and having lifted Indiana to the playoffs.
• Clark’s 2024 averages of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists outpace Paige Bueckers’ current 18.8, 4.1, and 5.4, with Merchant highlighting a 3.2-assist gap and risk-taking playmaking differences.
• Team context featured prominently, with Indiana’s supporting cast of Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston cited as conducive to Clark’s assists, contrasted with Dallas’ roster challenges for Bueckers.
• Awful Announcing spotlighted Bueckers’ 44-point game that broke a long-standing rookie scoring mark and made her the first WNBA player with 40-plus points on 80% shooting, yet noted ESPN’s limited on-air attention and criticism from fans including rapper Plies.
• League context underscores the stakes of the coverage conversation, with 2025 attendance surpassing 2.5 million, average crowds up 48% year over year, and TV audiences nearing 800,000 per game as ESPN’s under-25 list placed Clark at No. 1.