Paige Bueckers: WNBA Star Shines in Dallas, Rookie of the Year in Sight

Paige Bueckers, rising star of the Dallas Wings, has proven her worth in the WNBA, establishing herself as a key figure for her team. With an outstanding performance, Bueckers is shaping up for her first All-Star nomination and is positioning herself as one of the leading candidates for Rookie of the Year. In her tenth professional game, Bueckers has exhibited growing confidence and comfort on the court. Her ability to score and assist has made her a fundamental piece in the Wings’ scheme.

A Standout Performance

With an average of 17.7 points per game, Bueckers leads her team in scoring. In addition, her 5.7 assists per game place her sixth in the league. Adding points and assists, Bueckers has participated in 282 points, surpassed only by Sabrina Ionescu and Caitlin Clark in their first nine games. The player has acknowledged that the pace and intensity of the WNBA represent a significant adjustment. Despite this, she is among the six players in the league averaging at least 17 points and 5 assists per game, along with Ionescu, Clark, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Plum, and Skylar Diggins. Her shooting efficiency of 47.2% is the best in the group. Bueckers also excels in mid-range shooting, leading the league with 6.8 points per game from that area. Her defensive impact is notable, being one of only two players in the league averaging 2.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.

Challenges and Adaptation

The young star has taken on the responsibility of leading the Wings’ offense, a challenge for a rookie on a team with a new coaching staff and few veterans. Added to this is the absence of several key players due to international commitments and injuries. Despite these obstacles, Bueckers constantly works with the coaching staff to improve her game and counter the defensive aggressiveness of her rivals. Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon has praised her ability to read the game in the pick-and-roll, calling it “doctoral level”.

He has incredible composure and maturity. It seems like he’s been playing this game forever. He plays the right way, that’s what catches my attention every time…

Becky Hammon

After missing four games due to a concussion and illness, Bueckers used that time to recover physically and mentally. Her return to the game was impressive, scoring 35 points against the Phoenix Mercury.

In nine games this season, Paige Bueckers is averaging 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 2.1 steals. The Wings rookie is shooting with 47.2% effectiveness. Despite her outstanding individual performance, the Wings have not achieved victory in all games. Bueckers focuses on building a winning culture in Dallas, prioritizing team development and creating a positive environment. Dallas’s goal is for Bueckers to lead the team both on and off the court, managing the game and making important decisions. The player maintains constant communication with her UConn coach, Geno Auriemma, and relies on teammates and WNBA legends for advice and guidance. Bueckers aspires to emulate the success of renowned WNBA champion players, and to leave her mark on the team and the league.