Even before the season starts, fans, analysts and even media houses start making predictions for the season-ending awards. With the amount and variety of talent in the WNBA, there are always multiple choices for the accolades. One specific award, though, has the fewest competitors, and it’s the Rookie of the Year award.
With new players joining the ‘W’, there are a few frontrunners for the ROTY. There are at most three contenders in the league. This season, it’s between Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron. Candace Parker, a former winner of the accolade, has her say on the winner in her recent podcast episode.
Candace Parker Predicts Rookie Of The Year Winner
In the third episode of the ‘Post Moves’ podcast, Candace Parker and Aliyah Boston talk about the possible winner of the Rookie of the Year award between the two talented guards. Interestingly, the host themselves won the accolade I their first season, handing them authority to speak about the title.
“19 and a half points, two and a half rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals. She’s (Paige) kind of doing it all. But obviously, Paige is just so calm, cool, and collected. I give the nod to Paige Beckers for Rookie of the year, but Sonia, make me change my ways. Make me change my ways,” Parker mentioned in her analysis of the two rookies (Via YT/@PostMovesShow).
The star added that Bueckers missed seven games due to various injuries. But unlike the NBA, the number of games played won’t affect players’ consideration for ROTY in the WNBA. For the Former LA Sparks star, the Wings rookie is having her best season, and it would help her win her first major accolade in the league.
Aliyah Boston, the podcast’s co-host, even mentioned Kiki Iriafen in the mix for the ROTY award. However, the close contest is between the guard duos, who are controlling the games for their respective franchises.
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Head-To-Head Comparisons Between Paige Bueckers And Sonia Citron
The Washington Mystics stand 10th in the league while the Dallas Wings occupy 11th place in the standings. They are virtually out of the playoffs, but still have two of the most talented rookies in the league. It’s an irony that the sides couldn’t build on them and have a deep postseason run. With this, neither star could match Candace Parker’s record as league MVP and Rookie of the Year award.
Nevertheless, the stars in discussion – Paige Bueckers and Sonia Citron have record-breaking seasons so far. The former UConn star averages 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, five assists, and 1.8 steals. The Mystics guard also put up solid numbers with 14.8 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.
They face each other twice in head-to-head matchups, with PB missing one encounter. The Mystics won both those games, as the Notre Dame star led them on both occasions. Sadly, Citron’s better team support would affect voting in favor of the top 2024 pick.