Sabrina Ionescu had immense praise for Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Cameron Brink and the rest of the 2024 WNBA rookie class.

During shootaround before Game 2 of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, Ionescu was asked about the impact Clark and Reese had on the league on and off the court. Along with praising Clark and Reese, the Liberty star made sure to extend it to other impactful rookies such as Cameron Brink and Leonie Fiebich, New York’s star rookie.

Speaking with reporters as the Liberty looked to even the WNBA Finals, Ionescu elucidated her point on just how impactful the rookies have been for their respective teams and the league as a whole.

“I can’t pick one,” Ionescu said, per MARCA. “I think they both done so much for the game. I’m excited for this following rookie class because I think they’re just kind of piggybacking off of what each class has and just continue to be better.

“And so everyone has had such a huge role from Angel, to Caitlin and Cameron Brink. And they’re just so many rookies in this class that have impressed us. I mean, we have one of the best on our team with [Fiebich] and obviously we’ve loved everything that she’s brought to us and she’s helped us to get to this point.”

Breanna Stewart, Ionescu’s star teammate, also believed that it wasn’t just Clark or Reese that elevated the WNBA’s popularity this season. It was a combination of all the work all rookies did this season.

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever and Sabrina Ionescu #20 of the New York Liberty talk during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 6, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana

Sabrina Ionescu showered Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink praise for how they impacted the WNBA this season ( 

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Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

“It’s not an either or with Angel or Caitlin,” Stewart added. “I think they both came into the league this year and did great things. Angel being atop the rebound leaders for the entire season, Caitlin the assists.

“And not only their impact on the court but also the presence that they have off: The fans they’re continuing to bring in. It’s been exciting to see and I know that they’re only going to continue to grow.” Stewart’s point lends credence to the phenomenon known as “the Caitlin Clark Effect” wherein the arenas Clark plays in see increased attendance.

Still, the league has seen increased exposure regardless of Clark’s impact. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert likened Reese and Clark’s rivalry to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s from the 1980s, which brought unprecedented growth to the NBA.

In the end, the WNBA’s surge in popularity can be attributed to a multitude of factors, including Clark, Reese and Brink’s impact. Lynx star Napheesa Collier made it clear that the entirety of the 2024 class was deserving of praise.

“They’ve been great,” the star forward said. “This class, I think they’ve been unbelievable just in the way they’ve brought more people to the game, the way that they’re performing.

“The talent, just every year, just keeps getting better and better. So it’s really cool to see new generational talents come into the league and see how they perform.”