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Paige Bueckers Headlines Historic Rookie Trio Named WNBA All-Stars

Originally posted on Dallas Hoops Journal
By Grant Afseth | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 8:24 PM ET

Paige Bueckers isn’t chasing validation, but her first WNBA All-Star nod reflects what’s been clear through the early months of her rookie season—she’s already one of the league’s most impactful players.

The Dallas Wings guard was officially named a 2025 WNBA All-Star starter last week, becoming one of three rookies selected to the game along with Washington Mystics teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. It marks the first time since 2011—and just the fourth time since 2000—that three or more rookies have earned All-Star recognition in the same year.

Bueckers was selected as one of 10 starters through a weighted vote split between fans (50%), current players (25%), and media (25%). She finished with the highest composite score of any player in the league.

“It means a lot,” Bueckers said. “I feel like I have a lot of people who go to bat for me. To have people who really know and understand the game respect what I do, that’s meaningful. I’m not sure how the voting worked exactly, but to do well across the board—it definitely means a lot.”

Bueckers has averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds across 14 games this season, shooting 47.5% from the field and 86.7% from the free throw line. In her most recent outing, she scored 23 points and dished five assists in a win over the Phoenix Mercury.

Citron and Iriafen, selected third and fourth overall in April’s WNBA Draft, were named to the All-Star Game on Sunday as reserves—chosen by league coaches for their early-season performances.

While the honor highlights Bueckers’ standout rookie campaign, she downplayed any narrative of external validation.

“I don’t live by anybody else’s expectations or what I’m supposed to look like,” she said. “I go out there and play every single game and possession for what it is. The results may vary, and whatever they look like on any given night, I live with them.”

Bueckers credited her mindset to years of intentional mental work and a commitment to staying grounded amid constant attention.

“A lot of mental work—framing my thoughts and perspective on basketball and life,” she said. “Running my own race and not looking to the side to see what anyone else is doing. Just being where my feet are. People probably get tired of me saying that, but that’s my motto: focus on myself and how I can make others better. It’s the best way to maximize life.”

The 2025 WNBA All-Star Game will take place July 19 in Indianapolis, with Indiana’s Caitlin Clark and Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier serving as captains. They will draft their teams Tuesday on ESPN’s “WNBA Countdown” (7 p.m. ET), selecting first from the remaining eight starters, followed by the 12 reserves.

First-time All-Stars this year also include veterans Kayla Thornton (Golden State) and Gabby Williams (Seattle). The group of reserves features Skylar Diggins, Alyssa Thomas, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young, Rhyne Howard, Kelsey Mitchell, Angel Reese, and Courtney Williams.

A selection from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert will replace any player unable to participate in the game.

This article first appeared on Dallas Hoops Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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