3. Rickea Jackson
Jackson came off the bench for just five games before working her way into the starting five. The 6’2 forward has improved throughout the season and continues to get better. Over her final 12 games before the break, Jackson averaged 13.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 29.7 minutes per game.
The fourth overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft is the third-leading rookie scorer at the break. Jackson does not have the record-setting numbers or the superstar status, but she is a bucket-getter with more opportunities coming in the second half of the season.
The 6’2 forward is still finding her footing. Her 3-point shooting and rebounding are areas of focus. Jackson must grab more than four boards per game, and she has to space the floor if the LA Sparks want to make the playoffs. Her team has just six wins, which is tied for the fewest in the W this season.
Rickea Jackson, Kamilla Cardoso, and Aaliyah Edwards are battling for third in the Rookie of the Year voting. The two first-year All-Stars are significantly ahead with less than 50 percent of the regular season remaining. Jackson hopes to hold off her competition. It would take a monster second half to be in the running to win, but her scoring will force voters to notice.