Angel Reese Disrespected by WNBA Rookie of the Year Odds

The 2024 WNBA regular season is on the horizon and fans of the league will get an up-close look at this year’s tremendous rookie class. 

This year’s rookie class might be the best in recent memory, especially considering the names of Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, Angel Reese, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards.

Thus far in the preseason, Clark and Reese have been the stars of this year’s class, and the latter might be getting overlooked in the WNBA Rookie of the Year race.

2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year Odds: Angel Reese Considered Long Shot to Win Award

Reese was drafted with the Chicago Sky’s second pick in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft (No. 7 overall). 

With the questions about Reese’s offensive game at the next level, she fell to No. 7 overall, which was the perfect spot for her. Through two preseason games, Reese is showing that she’s the real deal, and don’t forget about her in the Rookie of the Year race.

In the Sky’s final preseason game against the New York Liberty on Tuesday night, Reese had 13 points (6-10 FG), five rebounds, two steals, and one assist in 19 minutes of action. 

She had the tough task of going up the Liberty’s star-studded frontcourt of Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones and didn’t back down from the challenge. The rookie forward went at Stewart in the paint in the second quarter, absorbing the contact for a layup.

Reese also showcased a nice post move on Tuesday night for a potential three-point play.

That said, she’s done a good job thus far of quieting the noise about her offensive game as the bright lights of the WNBA don’t bother her. In her preseason debut against the Minnesota Lynx, Reese dropped 13 points, nine rebounds, two steals, a block, and an assist in 24 minutes.

With the Sky losing Cardoso for 4-6 weeks because of a shoulder injury, Reese will be one of the focal points in the post for Chicago to start the regular season. 

Currently, she’s tied for the fourth-best odds to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year with Sparks’ rookie Rickea Jackson (+3000) on BetMGM, which isn’t bad considering that Caitlin Clark is the overwhelming favorite at -750.

That said, there’s something to be said for Reese being 30/1 with how she’s played thus far in the preseason. Reese’s Rookie of the Year odds should be at least 20/1 (+2000), putting her in front of Mystics’ rookie Aaliyah Edwards (+2500). 

If Chicago has a good start to the regular season and Reese builds off her preseason success, her odds should quickly shorten.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.