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If 2024 was the year when Caitlin Clark helped elevate the WNBA into a new stratosphere with global media coverage and record-breaking attendances, 2025 is expected to be the year of Paige Bueckers. Caitlin Clark won the 2023 Rookie of the year and same is expected by Paige The 23-year-old UConn guard is poised to be the number 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, set to take place in April. The Dallas Wings are projected to have the top pick, with Bueckers expected to be their selection, destined for Texas.
The rest of the picking order is also shaping up, with the Los Angeles Sparks slated for the second pick, followed by the Chicago Sky at third, Washington Mystics at fourth, and the Golden State Valkyries, the new team from the San Francisco Bay Area, holding the fifth pick.
Bueckers’ Playing Style and Potential in the WNBA
Standing at 6′11″, Paige Bueckers is a versatile combo guard capable of excelling both on and off the ball. While she may not possess the same electric shooting range as Caitlin Clark, some experts believe that Bueckers could be just as impactful—if not more—once she transitions into the professional league.
Bueckers is known for her ability to direct the offense, create plays, and score effectively. Additionally, she has excellent defensive instincts, making her a complete player. After missing the 2022-23 season due to a serious ACL injury, Bueckers has been granted an extra year of college eligibility, which has allowed her to return to full form and further showcase her talents.
Bueckers may join a Growing Dallas Wings Team
The Dallas Wings, who finished at the bottom of the standings last season with a 9-31 record, are set to receive a significant boost with Bueckers joining the team. Her addition brings optimism to a franchise that is already home to key players like Arike Ogunbowale, who averaged over 22 points and 4 assists last season, and Satou Sabally, who contributed 17.9 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Bueckers will join a team that’s primed to improve.
The Wings will also see a change in leadership with the arrival of Curt Miller as the new general manager. Miller, who was formerly the coach of the Los Angeles Sparks, takes over at a crucial time for the Wings.
The Lottery and Draft Shake-Up
The Los Angeles Sparks, who finished with the worst record last season (8-32), had a 44.2% chance of landing the number 1 pick. However, they were unable to secure the top spot in the lottery. The Wings took advantage of their 22.7% chance, and with a strategic trade of their pick to the Sky in a previous deal, the Wings had an overall 45% chance of landing the first pick. Ultimately, they emerged as the team with the number 1 selection. The Sky, without control of their pick, ended up with the third overall selection.
