Jan 3, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) walks off the court after the Mavericks defeat the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kyrie Irving Sends Heartfelt Message To Paige Bueckers

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Apr 15, 2025 5:33 PM ET

On Monday night, the Dallas Wings selected former UConn star Paige Bueckers with the first pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.

The 23-year-old is coming off a sensational year where she averaged 19.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 2.1 steals per contest while shooting 53.4% from the field and 41.9% from the three-point range in 38 games.

Via The Dallas Wings: "WELCOME TO THE DALLAS WINGS, PAIGE BUECKERS "

WELCOME TO THE DALLAS WINGS, PAIGE BUECKERS pic.twitter.com/pREGdvalky
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 14, 2025

After the selection, the Wings posted a video of Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving.

Irving: "Peace, Paige. I just wanted to take the time out to congratulate you on being drafted and especially to the Dallas Wings. I'm so excited for your journey ahead. I was so happy and proud of you, the way you carried yourself through all your obstacles and challenges... I am so happy that you are going to be right down the street... I know that the women's game is only going to get better with you in it. I feel like you're going to be one of the greats that we'll be talking about when you're done playing."

From one 1st overall pick to another @paigebueckers1’s longtime favorite player @KyrieIrving welcomes her to Dallas. pic.twitter.com/7IMaxyelj8
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 15, 2025