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Wings' Poor Record Has Paige Bueckers Nearing Unprecedented WNBA History
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The Dallas Wings won the 2025 WNBA Draft lottery, which meant that they had the No. 1 overall pick in the event. This netted them UConn guard Paige Bueckers, who was named National Player of the Year for coach Geno Auriemma and the Huskies as a true freshman.

Already in her first professional season, Bueckers has proven that she belongs with the best players in the WNBA. She was named an All-Star starter and has set numerous records for both rookies and the Wings along the way.

Her 19.0 points, 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game have her as the WNBA Rookie of the Year frontrunner, ahead of counterparts Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen of the Washington Mystics.

Paige Bueckers on Pace to Have Least Wins for Rookie of the Year Winner

While the award winner will not be announced for some time, it is all but a formailty that Bueckers will win. She is averaging 3.8 points and 1.4 assists more than the next closest rookie in her class, and she was the only one to be a starter in the All-Star Game.

Typically, the top rookies land with the worst teams in the WNBA due to draft position, so they are immediately thrust into a starting role. This means that the average winner of the Rookie of the Year award is not likely to play for a great team.

However, the Wings have performed so poorly this season that Bueckers is in danger of being the Rookie of the Year with the least amount of wins in her rookie season.

With six games left against five times either in the playoffs or right on the cusp, it is unlikely that Dallas will pull off more than two wins.

Paige Bueckers' Historic WNBA Rookie Season With the Dallas Wings

Bueckers has not only been the best rookie in her class this year, but she is among the best rookies in WNBA history. Last week, she scored 44 points in a game, which was the most ever by a rookie in a single game.

She also became the fastest player in league history to reach several benchmarks, like 500 points and 100 assists, as well as 200 points, 50 rebounds and 50 assists. Bueckers was also the Rookie of the Month in 2025.

When the Rookie of the Year award is finally announced, WNBA fans should not be shocked to hear Bueckers' name called. It remains to be seen, however, if the Wings can finish the season strong enough to prevent Bueckers from this unprecedented history.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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