In the latest episode of her podcast, “Queen of the Courts,” WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes stirred the pot again, shifting her focus from Caitlyn Clark to Napheesa Kearns as the ongoing conversation about Rookie of the Year continues to dominate headlines. Swoopes, who has been vocal in her criticisms of Clark throughout the season, clarified that she was not the one who voted against Clark, who received an impressive 66 out of 67 votes for Rookie of the Year.
“Caitlyn had an incredible year,” Swoopes said, praising the Iowa star’s performance, which included leading all rookies in points, assists, and three-pointers. “But I still believe Angel Reese should have taken home the Rookie of the Year title,” she asserted, citing Reese’s contributions to her team and the impact of injuries on the competition.
The discussion around Rookie of the Year intensified as Clark’s name surfaced again following Swoopes’ comments, with many fans expressing frustration over her persistent criticism. Despite Clark’s record-breaking season, Swoopes maintains that Reese’s performance, particularly post-Olympic break, warrants recognition.
As the conversation evolved, Swoopes also turned her attention to Napheesa Kearns, the newly crowned Defensive Player of the Year. Swoopes questioned the criteria used to award Kearns, highlighting the debate around individual performance versus team contributions. “Are we looking at what a player does individually or how that contributes to the team’s success?” she asked during the podcast.
Kearns has been instrumental in leading the Minnesota Lynx to the WNBA finals, where they will face off against the New York Liberty. Her defensive prowess has garnered significant attention, but Swoopes suggests that other players, including Asia Wilson, could also have been contenders for the award.
Swoopes’ remarks have sparked discussions among fans and analysts, with many calling for a more balanced view of player performances. As the WNBA playoffs continue, the conversation about awards and recognition in women’s sports remains heated.
In response to Swoopes’ comments, fans took to social media, expressing their opinions on the ongoing debate. Many believe that the league should focus on celebrating its players rather than fostering division among them.
As the WNBA approaches its championship finals, all eyes will be on both Clark and Kearns, and the narratives surrounding their performances will likely continue to evolve.
