The Rise of Paige Bueckers, WNBA - Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings didn't make the playoffs this year, finishing with a 10-34 record, but for their fans and the team's front office, the season was a resounding success. That's because they have a new franchise cornerstone in rookie sensation Paige Bueckers.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, Bueckers didn't just meet expectations—she shattered them. She was voted the AP Rookie of the Year and was a unanimous choice for the All-Rookie Team. Her season was a masterclass in efficiency, scoring, and playmaking, all while playing on a team that struggled with injuries and consistency.

A Rookie Season for the Record Books

Bueckers finished her rookie campaign with a stat line that puts her in elite company. She averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, placing her in the top 10 in the league in all three categories. Her 692 points and 194 assists are both the third-most by a rookie in WNBA history. She also set a Wings franchise record for points per game, assists per game, and more.

The highlights of her season are just as impressive as the numbers. Bueckers had a 44-point performance against the Los Angeles Sparks in August, the highest single-game scoring performance by a rookie ever and the most by any player in the WNBA since 2023. She also became the only player in league history to score 40+ points while shooting at least 80% from the field.

Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the court—from her scoring prowess to her defensive tenacity—made her one of the most complete rookies the league has seen. While the Wings' season may have been a disappointment in the win-loss column, Bueckers' historic debut gives the franchise a clear path to building a contender.