Las Vegas Aces rookie Kate Martin is one of the rare stories in the WNBA that will be told for years. Martin isn’t a regular rookie; she was picked out of the stands in the 2024 WNBA draft. The Iowa Hawkeyes product went to the draft to support Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 overall pick and wound up getting selected in the second round.

Martin played with arguably the most popular player in women’s basketball, with Clark at Iowa, and she now shares the court with superstars in the WNBA. She has the opportunity to learn from some of the best players that are currently in the league, like Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and A’ja Wilson.

The rookie recently spoke on Wilson, who’s currently the favorite to win the 2024 WNBA MVP award. Martin shared her honest thoughts on the star, revealing a bold take that will have many fans turning their heads.

Apr 6, 2024; Cleveland, OH, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes guard Kate Martin speaks at press conference at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

“You know I’m sitting next to the best player in the world. And not only is she the best player in the world, she’s the best leader I’ve ever been around,” said Martin via Summer DC on X.

The Aces have gone 5-4 this season, behind season averages of 28.0 points and 12.3 rebounds. Wilson leads the WNBA in both categories. She’s one of the most versatile players the game has ever seen, and Martin’s honest take reveals the level of respect the Las Vegas forward garners.

Martin played several years with Clark at the collegiate level. Clark was an absolute sensation at Iowa. She holds the NCAA’s all-time scoring record, and she was deemed a generational talent even before entering the league.

Despite Clark’s skill, however, Martin thinks she’s never been side-by-side with a player of Wilson’s talent. While it’s likely a factual statement, she caused some online buzz around Clark, with fans taking subtle jabs at the Indiana Fever rookie.