WNBA GM not expecting Caitlin Clark-like impact from Paige Bueckers

Following a run at Iowa where she shattered countless records, Caitlin Clark put together one of the best rookie seasons in WNBA history. As another highly-touted prospect enters the W, a similar set of lofty expectations isn't on the horizon.

Less than two weeks after winning a national championship at UConn, Paige Bueckers was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Despite receiving similar hype coming out of college, those around the league are seemingly refraining from comparing the two. 

In a recent column for ESPN, Alexa Philippou interviewed a handful of WNBA GMs about Bueckers. While executives do not deny that she is a highly skilled prospect, they aren't bracing for her to take the league by storm like Clark did in 2024. 

"It's just really hard to impact the game as a rookie," one GM said. "What Caitlin did last year is so special and unique. Paige is a special player ... I think she'll be a good player this year, but I'm not expecting a Caitlin-like impact. And that's an unfair bar to set."

Clark shattered expectations, breaking many records and helping the Indiana Fever to the postseason for the first time since 2016. As the executive stated, putting similar pressure on Bueckers as she prepares to start her career is wildly unfair. 

Like Clark, Bueckers has been promoted as someone who could be the face of the WNBA for years to come. She'll begin that journey in just a few weeks while also attempting to solidify herself as a cornerstone for the Wings franchise.