In her first season with the Dallas Wings, Paige Bueckers is already dominating. As the No. 1 pick in the draft, she’s been tasked with doing it all—scoring like a seasoned pro, creating opportunities for her teammates, defending top players, and leading a team navigating a major transition. And she’s answering every challenge with confidence.
Her stellar performance has raised a big question: Can she land a spot on the All-WNBA team in addition to taking home the Rookie of the Year award? That would be unheard of for a player in her first season, but Bueckers is making it look easy.
Bueckers Is Already Proving She’s One of the Best in the Game
Wings head coach Chris Koclanes has no doubt about Bueckers’ talent. He points to the constant defensive pressure she faces from opposing teams as proof of her status as one of the league’s elite guards.
“She impacts winning and makes everybody on our team better,” Koclanes said. “She’s getting everybody’s best look—not just one defender, but multiple defenders. You see the game plans against her—teams are throwing three, four, sometimes five players at her. And she’s handling it all as a rookie. That speaks volumes about who she is as a player.”
Historic Numbers and Growing Stardom
Bueckers has already racked up some impressive stats. She’s averaging 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, placing her among the league’s top performers—fifth in scoring and tenth in assists. Her stellar season earned her a spot in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game, making her just the 10th rookie in history to do so. She finished sixth in overall fan voting, a clear sign of how quickly she’s become one of the league’s brightest stars.
Since the All-Star break, Bueckers has only stepped up her game, averaging 19.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.6 steals while shooting nearly 50% from the field. Her shooting accuracy, coupled with her ability to avoid turnovers, shows just how well she’s adjusting to the pro game.
But it’s not just her shot-making that’s leading to success. Bueckers credits her teammates and the coaching staff for putting her in positions to succeed.
“It’s about the teammates getting me open, setting good screens, and giving me space to operate,” Bueckers said. “The coaching staff trusts me in different roles, and I trust the work we’ve all put in to make the most of those opportunities.”
Breaking Records and Making Her Mark
Bueckers isn’t just piling up stats—she’s making history along the way. She became the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach 450 points, 100 rebounds, and 100 assists, accomplishing it in just 25 games. She beat Caitlin Clark’s previous record of 27 games, a major milestone for a player in her first season.
Teammates like Diamond Miller see Bueckers as not only a future MVP but also a deserving candidate for the All-WNBA First Team. “She’s really dynamic, and she’s going to be MVP one day,” Miller said. “I think she deserves it—first team, too.”
A Complete Player: Scoring, Playmaking, and Defense
Bueckers stands out not just for her scoring, but for how she combines all aspects of the game. Whether it’s putting up points, setting up teammates, or locking down opponents, she’s making an impact everywhere. Her versatility makes her a nightmare for defenses, and her teammates have noticed.
“Paige does everything—scoring at all levels, making plays, and playing defense,” said teammate Haley Jones. “She has this incredible balance between being assertive and trusting her teammates.”
When the Wings faced injuries, Bueckers stepped up even more, shouldering a heavier scoring load while still playing solid defense and making plays on the other side of the ball.
Adapting and Overcoming Defenses
One of the most impressive parts of Bueckers’ game is her ability to adjust on the fly. Defenses often trap her, switch on screens, or top-lock her to take away her space—but Bueckers is able to quickly diagnose the situation and turn those challenges into opportunities. Her basketball IQ allows her to exploit mismatches and create easy opportunities for her teammates.
“She’s getting trapped every night, and she finds ways to beat it,” said Jones. “She’s always making the right read, whether she’s passing or taking it herself. That’s what makes her so special.”
Making Her Presence Felt in Big Moments
Bueckers’ remarkable rookie season reached new heights when she scored 44 points against the Sparks, tying Cynthia Cooper’s rookie scoring record. The performance wasn’t just about her scoring—it was a showcase of her versatility, as she handled multiple defensive schemes with ease.
“She can do it all,” said Koclanes. “You can’t take everything away from her. She’s got so many ways to impact the game.”
Leadership Beyond the Box Score
While Bueckers’ numbers are impressive, it’s her leadership that stands out most. In a league where rookies are often expected to take a backseat, Bueckers has stepped up as a leader from day one. Her teammates have been struck by how naturally she commands respect in the locker room.
“Myisha Hines-Allen praised Bueckers’ leadership, noting that she immediately set the tone. “She had her voice from day one. You don’t see that with rookies,” Hines-Allen said. “She’s a true leader, and she’s been that way from the start.”
WNBA Legends Are Already Taking Notice
It’s one thing for teammates and coaches to praise a player, but when WNBA legends weigh in, it’s a whole different level. Hall of Famers like Cynthia Cooper and Sue Bird have already given their stamp of approval, and their comments reflect just how rare Bueckers’ debut season has been.
Cooper, who once set a WNBA rookie scoring record herself, said Bueckers’ consistency is what separates her. “She’s driven, focused, and mentally prepared,” Cooper said. “I think she’s going to have an amazing career.”
Bird, one of the greatest point guards in WNBA history, added that Bueckers is already one of the league’s elite players. “I would pay to watch her play,” Bird said. “She’s in the top 10 in scoring, assists, and steals. What she did against the Sparks was incredible, and it solidified her as Rookie of the Year.”
Bueckers Is Here to Stay
Bueckers has already made history, breaking rookie records and earning league-wide recognition. But what’s even more impressive is her ability to maintain that level of play consistently, week after week. With a mix of scoring, playmaking, defense, and leadership, Bueckers is proving she’s not just a flash in the pan—she’s the real deal.
Teammates like Diamond Miller are already calling her a future MVP, and coach Chris Koclanes believes Bueckers has earned her place among the league’s elite. “She impacts winning and makes everybody better,” Koclanes said.
With a Rookie of the Year campaign and All-WNBA honors within reach, it’s clear that Paige Bueckers is building a career that will be remembered for years to come.
