Paige Bueckers has played in nine WNBA games as a rookie for the Dallas Wings, living up to high expectations.
She’s averaging 17.7 points, 5.7 assists and 2.1 steals per game so far in Dallas. This makes her the team leader in all three categories, as well as minutes played, clocking in 35.2 minutes per contest. While her play has been impressive, she has also encountered some bumps in the road. Her WNBA debut was a 99-84 loss against the Lynx, where she mustered only 10 points. The Wings also have struggled collectively, with a 2-11 record that places them at the bottom of the WNBA standings.
Even so, it’s worth asking if Bueckers done enough to warrant a place in the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game. Let’s take a closer look:
How has Paige played so far?
When Bueckers gets going, she can be hotter than lava. Against the Phoenix Mercury, she was, in a word, magnificent.
She scored a career-high 35 points, achieving this by shooting 68 percent from the field. From deep, she was a tyrant, converting on five of her seven 3-point attempts. This was after being sidelined for two weeks due to concussion protocols and suffering from an illness.
While her play was outstanding in defeat, she has been equally as effective in victory. In the Wings’ recent win over the Golden State Valkyries, she played in 39 out of 40 minutes, ending the night with a team-high 20 points and a plus-minus of +11. The only other starter who had a positive plus-minus was Arike Ogunbowale with a +6.
Defensively, she’s still adjusting to the physicality of the league, but has learned how to gamble and capitalize on opportunities. Bueckers’ 2.1 steals per game is the second most in the WNBA. Only Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm is averaging more steals than Bueckers.
What are the odds Paige Bueckers is an All-Star?
Currently, Bueckers is averaging the 12th-most points per game in the WNBA. That is an impressive figure for a rookie. In the minutes department, only Kelsey Plum and Rhyne Howard log more time on the court. Both are shoo-ins to be All-Star participants, so what about Bueckers?
While Paige has been impressive, with just four backcourt spots available among the two teams, it’s hard to imagine she’ll be an All-Star starter as a rookie. However, she’s made a strong case to make the team as a reserve. Few players are asked to carry as heavy of a load as Bueckers has been asked to bear, and she’s proven to be capable not just of handling it, but shining under that pressure.
With voting currently live, fans have a chance to cast their ballots and ensure Bueckers makes it during her first year in the league. All-Star voting continues until June 28 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Fans can submit one ballot per day via the WNBA App and WNBA.com, where they can vote for up to 10 players (six frontcourt, four backcourt).
Bueckers making it as a rookie would be warranted and impressive, but regardless of whether she makes it or not, the early returns have indicated she’s more than prepared to be the face of the franchise for the Wings for years to come. And that matters far more than seeing her represent Dallas in Indy this summer.
