“I want to personally thank Caitlin Clark for lifting up our sport.” As a generational talent stepped into the WNBA, she took the league by storm. She came like a trailblazer and charged life into the sport through high record games, her deep three-pointers, and exceptional performances. And while coach Dawn Staley acknowledged the athlete’s consistent efforts towards uplifting the sport, she found a contender in Paige Bueckers this season.

As the 2024 no.1 overall pick, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game and rewrote rookie history by clinching 769 points, 337 assists, and 122 three-pointers that year alone. Moreover, she became the first WNBA rookie ever to record two triple-doubles and four Rookie of the Month honors. But when 2025 no.1 pick Paige Bueckers entered the scene, she did not just arrive. She established her presence in the league.

From a 35-point comeback from illness and concussion earlier this year to clinching 44 points in one game against the LA Sparks, the league witnessed the growth of Paige Bueckers. The versatile guard averaged 19.4 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game and stands at 581 points, 153 assists, and  121 rebounds so far. No wonder fans cannot help but compare the guards.

The latest episode of the We Need To Talk podcast discussed Bueckers rookie run. “The conversation often does kind of go to this Caitlin versus Paige,” Erica Ayala said. “I want to put that to the side for a minute because if you’re talking about what Paige is able to do, the rookie records being set, the fact that in her first season, she’s in conversations with Candace Parker and Cynthia Cooper.”

While Caitlin Clark exploded on the scene during her rookie season and exceeded expectations, Paige Bueckers took the rookie race a notch higher. She became the first player in WNBA history to score 40-plus points on 80% shooting. Besides, her latest record became a talking point in the league, comparing her with none other than legend Cynthia Cooper. After all, Cooper was the first W player to record a 40-point-plus score in a single game back in 1997.

“Cynthia Cooper, right, was a rookie. Well, everybody was a rookie in the first year, right? And so that counts as a rookie record,” Ayala started. “But sis was balling overseas. So, she, Paige Beckers that is, is now in conversations and is putting up stat lines from someone in their first WNBA year that had years of pro experience overseas.” It is important to note that while Cooper achieved the feat in her rookie season, she was already an international professional.

On the other hand, Bueckers graduated from Geno Auriemma’s coaching system. As one of the top programs in the country, UConn efficiently prepared her for the pros. But it was her first stint that turned heads and had people gushing over Bueckers’ potential in the coming seasons. This provides her with a much-needed edge over her counterparts, thereby making her suitable for ROTY and MVP titles. After all, this exceptional record sprinted Bueckers into the top five scorers’ list this season.

Featuring in MVP conversations already, Bueckers has established her footing as a befitting rookie in the league. Just when we thought that no athlete could break the records or expectations set by Caitlin Clark, the Dallas Wings guard shattered all the notions. While her championship journey came to an abrupt halt, her association with other sports ensures she revels in the spotlight.

The Texas Rangers have a surprise in store for Paige Bueckers’ fans

It was not long before the popular MLB team, the Texas Rangers, invited WNBA rookie Paige Bueckers. While the team honored guest Bueckers with a ceremonial first pitch, fans could not help but gush about the basketball athlete’s customised Rangers jersey. With Rangers printed in the front and #5 Bueckers etched at the back, the outfit became a huge talking point on social media. But fret not, as the team has an upcoming surprise for fans!

Recently, the WNBA team, Dallas Wings, partnered up with the Rangers to provide brand-new merchandise to fans. Set to go live on Monday, August 25, around 7:05 PM, the franchise provides audiences with their favorite Paige Bueckers jersey. In fact, the team took to X (formerly Twitter) to break the news. Sharing a picture of the dark blue Rangers jersey, the official account wrote, “PBxRangers. We love supporting our Texas neighbors!”

While the Dallas Wings remain eliminated from the playoff race, Paige Bueckers ended the season games on a personal high. With commendable accolades and records throughout 29 games, the rookie sealed the deal in a bid to save the roster from doom. Though her contributions went down the drain this year, can she overshadow Caitlin Clark’s efforts to become the face of the league? What do you think?