The Rookie of the Year race has largely been dominated by the stellar performances of Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. From the start of the season, these two rookies have captivated fans with their electrifying play and impressive statistics. However, as the season progresses, Leonie Fiebich of the New York Liberty is emerging as a legitimate contender, deserving true consideration in this heated race, and is proving she belongs on the all WNBA Rookie Team.
Per NYL Stats, “Leonie Fiebich has recorded an average plus-minus of +15.4 in 11 games as a starter, which leads all WNBA starters this season”, not just rookies.
The Liberty have gone 11-1 with Fiebich in the starting lineup so far this season. The first loss with Leo in the starting lineup came against the Connecticut Sun in their last game, where the Liberty lost to the Sun at home, 72-64.
The Liberty came up short, but Leo finished the game with 14 points and 5 rebounds. Head Coach Sandy Brondello spoke about Leo’s performance post-game, saying,
“Yeah, the score would have been way bigger if Leah didn't make some of those shots there.”
The Liberty were down by 12 in the third quarter when Leo went on a 7-0 run to keep them in the game, but it was not enough to pull out the victory.
Sandy Brondello also, stated. “She’s been a key player for us and the confidence we all have in her to play well every single game."
As a key contributor to the best team in the league, Leo should be mentioned alongside Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark in the Rookie of the Year race. Each rookie has had a direct impact on their respective teams. Now, let’s dive into the rookies' impact.
Angel Reese’s Impact
Angel Reese has been a force to be reckoned with since her debut. Her ability to control the paint, and grab rebounds has made her a key player for her team. With a series of double-doubles and game-winning performances, Reese has established herself in this race.
Angel set a WNBA-record streak of 15 consecutive double-doubles. The streak ended at 15 when the Sky fell to the Liberty. The Sky rookie became the first player in WNBA history with back to back to back 20 rebound games.
Her physicality and impressive streak of double-doubles have set her apart, and kept her in constant Rookie of the Year discussions.
Caitlin Clark’s Impact
On the other hand, Caitlin Clark has been nothing short of sensational. Known for her scoring prowess and excellent playmaking abilities, Clark has taken the league by storm. Her long-range shooting, combined with her knack for creating opportunities for her teammates, has made her a standout rookie.
She broke the WNBA's single-season rookie mark for assists, Clark broke the league's single-game record with 19 assists and she also, recorded the first ever triple-double by a rookie.
Clark's ability to influence the game's outcome has made her favorite among many analysts for the Rookie of the Year.
Introducing Leonie Fiebich
While Reese and Clark have been capturing headlines, Leonie Fiebich’s journey has been a quieter yet equally impressive ascent. Joining the New York Liberty, Fiebich has steadily improved with each game, showcasing her versatility and tenacity. Her journey from an under-the-radar player to a key contributor for the #1 team in the WNBA has been remarkable.
Leonie Fiebich is a German professional basketball player. She has quietly risen to prominence in the basketball world thanks to her exceptional skills and versatility on the court. Fiebich primarily plays as a small forward but is known for her ability to adapt to multiple positions.
Fiebich has played for various clubs in Germany, gaining valuable experience and honing her craft. She made a significant impact in the EuroLeague Women’s competition, showcasing her talents at an international level. Her performances have not only earned her a spot on the German national team but also earned her a spot in the rotation on the top team in the WNBA as a rookie. Her potential and dedication suggest a promising future ahead.
Leonie’s Impact
Fiebich’s impact on the court cannot be understated. With consistent, solid defense, and critical plays during clutch moments, she has become an integral part of the Liberty's success.
Per NYL Stats, “Leonie is on pace to become the first rookie in WNBA history to average a plus-minus of +10.0 or better as a starter (min. 10 starts).
Her +15.4 plus-minus as a starter is the best by any NBA or WNBA rookie with at least 10 starts since the NBA began tracking PBP data (1996-97).”
Fiebich's ability to adapt and excel in various roles on the court highlights her well-rounded skill set.
The Liberty recorded a 90.3 defensive rating in 582 minutes with Fiebich on the court, which is the best DRTG among all WNBA players with at least 500 MIN in 2024, per reports.
Comparing the ROY Contenders
Comparing Reese, Clark, and Fiebich, each has unique strengths that make them worthy of the Rookie of the Year title. Reese’s dominance in the paint, Clark’s dynamic scoring, and Fiebich’s all-around contributions each tell a compelling story. While Reese and Clark have the early season highlights, Fiebich’s consistent improvement and critical plays make a strong case for her inclusion in this conversation.
Conclusion
As the Rookie of the Year race heats up, it’s essential to recognize the emerging talent of Leonie Fiebich. Her journey from an overlooked rookie to a key player for the New York Liberty exemplifies hard work and determination. While Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark remain strong contenders, Fiebich’s impact and potential should not be overlooked. She deserves serious consideration in the Rookie of the Year race, adding another layer of excitement to this thrilling competition.
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