While Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark has been dominating headlines despite an ongoing injury, her active media presence and the uproar surrounding her are a testament to the reigning rookie’s hold on the league. But as another class of rookies joins the W this year, one of them has been following the Fever guard’s footsteps. That rookie is none other than Paige Bueckers. Remember the exceptional 35-point comeback against the Phoenix Mercury? Not only did that mark a career-high for Bueckers, but it also solidified her presence in the league. So, will the overall No. 1 pick take the 2025 ROTY honors this year?

Well, according to host Jordan Robinson from The Women’s Hoops Show, the Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers is a perfect recipient of the title. Besides clinching several records for her groundbreaking performance, Bueckers’ ability to step in as a versatile guard and a leader, as per the team’s requirements, is a big plus for a rookie. Her offenses and fluidity set her apart.

“Paige Bueckers, halfway through this season, has looked like a pro. I don’t even feel like we can put her in the rookie category,” Jordan Robinson said on the podcast. “Because she is up there with everybody else in the league in Top 10, Top 05- in a lot of these categories.”Appreciating her high basketball IQ and maturity, which surpasses most rookies, the host talked about Bueckers’ elite gameplay. Whether it’s her offensive runs or her perfected mid-range shots, the rookie’s performance goes well beyond her years. No wonder Bueckers earned several accolades during her debut season. She has tied with 2024 ROTY in several professional aspects and carved a permanent spot in the franchise.

“Paige Bueckers has already broken records- she has already broken similar or tied records as Caitlin Clark did last year, who was the rookie of the year. And what she has been able to do in the role of Dallas,” Robinson argued. “What she has been able to do has been nothing short of inspiring and great entertainment. She is a player that I will turn on [tv] and want to see Paige Bueckers play basketball. That’s how good she has been in the WNBA so far this season.”

After achieving a total of 350+ points and 100+ assists in the first 20 games, Bueckers even surpassed Clark. But this is just one of several records broken or tied already. While her remarkable debut run carries flashes of Clark, the co-host Autumn Johnson has a different take. She argues that her favorite rookie is Kiki Iriafen instead. “Up to the season at mid-point, she has dominated the paint, she has dominated her position, she’s dominated on the glass. Even on defense, she has been making her presence known in the paint,” Johnson said.

With a rookie contract worth $78K salary, Iriafen emerged as Autumn’s top choice for rookie of the year. After all, she comes across as one of the most aggressive players. Her determination and dominance have significantly contributed to the Washington Mystics becoming the fourth team in the Eastern Conference division, boasting an impressive 13-13 record. “She’s doing what she got drafted to do. And she is excelling in that,” the co-host argued. “Like, the Mystics, like she’s the reason why they’re still relevant. Why are people watching them? Why are they winning so many games? She’s the reason why they beat the Storm twice already.”

Emphasising Iriafen’s performance this season, Johnson was of the view that the player single-handedly led the Washington Mystics against the Seattle Storm. And guess who won twice against the third-ranked team in the Western Conference division! Though fans enjoy watching Bueckers on the screen, one cannot overlook Iriafen or her contributions to the league either. Kiki recently scored a career-best of 22 points and bolstered the team towards a 103-86 win against the Chicago Sky.

While Kiki is a solid contender with 11.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, can she outrun Paige? Though the Mystics rookie has strived to push the team towards victories against some of the toughest teams like the Storm, Paige Bueckers’ contributions to the roster and the league are unmatched. As Bueckers continues to ignite the paint with her performances, can she help the Dallas Wings climb out of their misery? Only time will tell.

Paige Bueckers congratulates teammate on a historic feat

The Dallas Wings rookie, Paige Bueckers, recently congratulated her teammate and on-court partner, Arike Ogunbowale. After all, Ogunbowale became the first player in 20 years of the WNBA to score at least 17+ points and 10 assists in the first half against the reigning WNBA champions, the New York Liberty. No wonder Bueckers couldn’t contain her excitement!

“It’s a ‘what have you done for me lately’ league. Everyone should be writing the story about her (Arike Ogunbowale) tonight,” Paige Bueckers said. “For her to come in and turn around All-Star break and perform the way she’s performing- staying present, staying focused; The story should be about her.” Proud of her teammate, Bueckers insisted the limelight shift to Arike.

This massive feat comes after Ogunbowale’s comeback was written off as one of the worst performances in history. The guard failed to score even one field goal. But the Wings leader was better than that! She soon recovered from an ongoing thumb injury, found her footing, and devoured the highest-ranked team in the Eastern Conference standings.

As the Bueckers-Ogunbowale confidently navigate through the season, can they provide a much-needed respite to the roster? With an impressive win in their belt, can the Wings continue their victorious run or come spiralling down with losses all over again? As the team prepares to face a physical Atlanta Dream, chances look promising for Bueckers & Co.