Paige Bueckers has taken the WNBA by storm in her rookie season with the Dallas Wings, and she’s quickly proving to be one of the league’s most exciting young stars. With her impressive stats and leadership on the court, she’s not just making a case for Rookie of the Year—she’s setting the stage for the Wings’ bright future.
In 2025, Bueckers lit up the court with an average of 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. Her shooting was stellar, hitting 47.4% of her shots from the field, 32.2% from deep, and a near-perfect 89.3% from the free-throw line. Since the All-Star break, she’s upped her game even more, averaging 19.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.2 assists over 17 games, shooting 50.2% from the field and an incredible 94.4% from the line.
Her consistency hasn’t gone unnoticed, either—she was named WNBA Rookie of the Month for three straight months, becoming the 10th player in league history (and the first in Wings history) to earn the honor three times. August was a particularly standout month for Bueckers, with her 44-point explosion against the Los Angeles Sparks being one of the highlights of the season. Over 10 games in August, she averaged 20.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals, all while shooting nearly 50% from the field.
“I just trust the work I’ve put in,” Bueckers said, crediting her teammates for setting her up and the coaching staff for putting her in positions to succeed. “It’s about trusting the process and making shots when they count.”
Breaking Records in Her Rookie Year
Bueckers wasted no time making history in her first season. She tied the WNBA rookie single-game scoring record and became the first rookie in franchise history to lead all rookies in assists per game (minimum 20 games). She also set the mark for the longest streak of double-digit scoring games this season. Bueckers was the fastest player in over a decade to record a 10-point, 10-assist performance and the only rookie to score 30 or more points in multiple games.
What sets Bueckers apart isn’t just her scoring; it’s her overall versatility. She finished the season as the only player to rank in the top 10 in both points and assists per game and cracked the top 10 in another major category. Throughout the season, Bueckers grew into a more complete offensive player, mastering the art of absorbing contact and finishing strong in the paint. Her footwork, patience, and ability to avoid defenses with pump fakes and head fakes became key elements of her game, especially as she faced more aggressive defenders.
“I learned to play off two feet, be patient, and create contact without rushing,” Bueckers said. “The league is physical, so I had to use my body and my head fakes to stay balanced and make smarter decisions.”
Rising to the Challenge
Despite a season full of injuries and lineup instability for the Wings, Bueckers rose to the challenge of being the focal point of opposing defenses. The team tied the WNBA record for most players used in a season (21), and coach Chris Koclanes had to adjust his lineup frequently. Yet Bueckers thrived, maintaining her efficiency while helping her teammates find opportunities.
“It’s been fun,” she said. “When teams send extra defenders at me, it opens up chances for my teammates. I just play off that and let them shine.”
Looking Ahead: 3×3 and the Dallas Wings’ Future
As the offseason approaches, Bueckers is preparing for her next challenge—joining Unrivaled, the 3×3 league founded by Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier. The league, valued at $340 million, is expanding with two new teams and a development pool, and Bueckers is excited to test her skills in this fast-paced format.
“3×3 is all about one-on-one matchups,” she explained. “It challenges your defense and helps you create space offensively. Plus, the pace of the game is insane, and I’m excited for that.”
Her background in 3×3 is extensive, with Bueckers helping Team USA win gold at the 2018 Youth Olympics and earning USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year honors in 2019. Now, she’s bringing that experience to Unrivaled, where she can continue honing her skills.
Coach Koclanes is supportive of Bueckers’ decision, recognizing the value of the 3×3 game for player development, especially when it comes to creating space and making quick decisions—skills that directly translate to the WNBA.
“It’s all about player health,” Koclanes said, acknowledging that while offseason rest is important, the 3×3 game provides unique reps that can benefit players in the WNBA.
Building Something Special in Dallas
What excites Bueckers most isn’t just her individual growth—it’s being part of something bigger in Dallas. She’s excited about the team’s chemistry and believes that the best teams are those that truly trust each other.
“The teams that win championships are the ones that fight for each other like family,” she said. “We get along really well, and that’s the most exciting part. We’re building something special here.”
General manager Curt Miller has already noticed the leadership Bueckers brings to the table, particularly her involvement in shaping the team’s future. With her and Arike Ogunbowale leading the way, Miller is confident the Wings are on the right path to building a championship contender.
“Paige is a unifier,” Miller said. “Her presence on and off the court elevates everyone around her. She’s one of those players that others want to play with.”
A Star in the Making
Bueckers’ versatility makes her the perfect building block for the Wings. She can create on the ball or play off it as a scorer, providing the team with a wide range of lineup possibilities. Her growth isn’t just about individual accolades—she’s working to improve every aspect of her game, from shooting to leadership, defense to decision-making.
“I just want to keep getting better,” Bueckers said. “There’s always room to improve. I’m focused on expanding every part of my game.”
In her rookie season, Paige Bueckers not only made history but also became the face of the Dallas Wings’ future. With her growth and leadership, the Wings are poised to be a serious contender for years to come.
