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Caitlin Clark is the best second-year player in the WNBA if we're talking solely about skill, but injuries have hampered Clark this season. If we're ranking second-year players based on 2025 contributions, has Clark been the best second-year player this year?

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WNBA Second-Year Player Rankings: Does Caitlin Clark Still Hold the Top Spot?

As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, a crucial question has emerged: Has Caitlin Clark held onto her place as the best second-year player in the league? While there’s no denying Clark’s skill, her injury setbacks this season have raised doubts about whether another second-year player might have overtaken her in terms of contributions this year. Let’s take a look at the top second-year players of the WNBA in 2025 and see how Clark stacks up against the competition.

5. Kamilla Cardoso – Chicago Sky

Kamilla Cardoso has proven to be a valuable player for the Chicago Sky in 2025, despite the rise of Angel Reese as the team’s centerpiece. Cardoso, who was a standout rookie last season, continues to make an impact, particularly on the boards. She ranks in the top 10 in rebounds in the league, even though she shares the floor with one of the best rebounders in the game. Additionally, Cardoso ranks sixth in the league for field goals made from the restricted area, showing her effectiveness inside. While she may not be the primary focus for the Sky, her contributions can’t be overlooked.

4. Rickea Jackson – Los Angeles Sparks

Rickea Jackson came into the WNBA with high expectations, and while she hasn’t quite lived up to the preseason hype of being the best player in her draft class, she has proven to be far from a bust. After a year and a half in the league, Jackson has shown she can be a solid contributor for the Los Angeles Sparks. She may need to work on her efficiency to reach elite status, but Jackson has consistently been able to score when needed, playing an important role in the Sparks’ recent playoff push. Her ability to put up points in critical moments makes her one of the top second-year players.

3. Leonie Fiebich – New York Liberty

Leonie Fiebich’s role with the New York Liberty is distinct compared to some of the other top second-year players, but that doesn’t take away from her importance. Fiebich plays within a system that has a lot of offensive firepower, but her ability to capitalize on the opportunities she’s given stands out. Shooting an impressive 54.5% from the floor, the best of any second-year player, Fiebich has made the most of her chances. While her role might not be as flashy as some others, her efficiency and ability to make key shots place her among the top players in her class.

2. Angel Reese – Chicago Sky

It was inevitable that Angel Reese would land near the top of this list. She’s been a dominant force for the Chicago Sky this season, ranking second among second-year players in points and leading in rebounds. Her presence on the court has been undeniable, especially on the defensive glass, where she averages 8.7 defensive rebounds per game, the best among second-year players. Reese has also developed as a playmaker, with 3.6 assists per game, the second-best among players in her class. While she’s certainly a force to be reckoned with, it’s her all-around game and growth that truly elevate her to the second spot on this list.

1. Caitlin Clark – Indiana Fever

Despite missing some time due to injury, Caitlin Clark remains the top second-year player in the WNBA for the 2025 season. Clark’s impact on the court is hard to ignore. She continues to lead all second-year players in scoring and assists per game while ranking third in rebounds — impressive for a guard. The Indiana Fever‘s net rating is 6.8 points per 100 possessions better with Clark on the floor, underscoring her significant influence when she’s playing. By contrast, Chicago‘s net rating with Reese on the floor is 1.5 points per 100 possessions worse, highlighting Clark’s effectiveness in comparison.

Despite missing time, Clark’s contributions when healthy have been immense. Her ability to warp the floor — spreading the defense, creating opportunities, and scoring from anywhere — sets her apart. She’s still an undeniable force on the court, and her absence this season only makes her impact even more apparent. While Reese has had a fantastic season, Clark’s consistency, playmaking ability, and offensive prowess keep her in the top spot.

The Comparison: Clark vs. Reese

Both Clark and Reese are undeniably talented players, and a comparison between the two is inevitable. When looking at advanced metrics, Clark ranks 48th, while Reese is just behind at 49th in Positive Residual’s Estimated Contribution. While neither player ranks highly, part of Clark’s low ranking is due to her injury absence. Still, these two players are neck-and-neck, and it’s clear that they both play pivotal roles for their respective teams.

Clark’s scoring and playmaking continue to give her the edge, but Reese’s improvement as a defender and playmaker has made the battle for the top second-year player even closer.

Conclusion

While Caitlin Clark may not have played as much as others this season, her impact when healthy has been undeniable. Her ability to elevate the Indiana Fever and lead in multiple statistical categories places her at the top of the list. However, Angel Reese, with her all-around performance and growth as a player, is certainly making her case as one of the league’s best second-year talents.

The 2025 season has been a great showcase for these young stars, and as they continue to develop, there’s little doubt that Clark and Reese will remain at the forefront of the league for years to come. But for now, Clark retains her position as the top second-year player in the WNBA.