Dallas Wings On SI

Future face of WNBA? Paige Bueckers earning big praise from players

Bueckers could be in for a long career if her peers' predictions are correct

Zain Bando

Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Jul 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Sky during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Dallas Wings rookie guard Paige Bueckers may not know it yet, but the WNBA community has started to take notice of Bueckers' potential despite her season being half over.

Although the spotlight is mainly on the Indiana Fever and their star guard Caitlin Clark, select WNBA players in a recent poll from The Athletic suggest that Bueckers could overtake Clark.

"She's very likable right now, and she's doing very well as a rookie, and her name is making a buzz," an anonymous respondent revealed.

However, it appears Clark will remain as the face of the league for quite some time. Pollsters had the former Iowa Hawkeyes star earning the majority of votes at 53.8 percent.

Clark vs. Bueckers Takes Brutal Hit

Clark vs. Bueckers gets brutal updat
Jul 15, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) warms up before the start of the game against the Connecticut Sun at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

"I mean, she currently is the face of the league," a respondent said.

Clark's stock could take a huge hit this weekend, however, as she won't participate in the league's three-point contest or game, according to a statement released on Thursday.

"I have to rest my body," Clark's statement read. "I will still be at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to catch all the action I'm looking forward to helping Sandy coach our team to a win."

READ MORE: Dallas Wings standout rises in WNBA history despite loss to Las Vegas Aces

This could serve as good news for Bueckers, however, as it is her first All-Star appearance.

As for the Wings, they have struggled immensely as of late. They have lost four straight, including a 102-83 loss to Clark and the Fever this past Sunday.

The Wings (6-17) have their schedule pick back up next week with back-to-back road games before a four-game home-stand begins through the beginning of August.

The Wings' young core is still learning how to win at all costs. This year isn't it, but if anything, Dallas is turning heads with Bueckers, and it's clear the WNBA isn't ignoring it.

For now, it remains to be seen whether the Wings can turn a corner.

READ MORE: Caitlin Clark, Fever set WNBA-best mark against Paige Bueckers, Wings

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Zain Bando
ZAIN BANDO

Zain Bando is a writer & columnist for Gameday Media's MMA Knockout, expanding his portfolio as a Staff Writer for Dallas Wings On SI with previous in-network contributions around the echosystem. Outside of covering fights, Bando's background includes Big Ten football and men's basketball with leans toward Illinois and Northwestern with a broader league view for bylines including The Sporting News, FanSided, Men's Journal and others since 2019. Bando can be reached at zainbando99@gmail.com or via his social media accounts @zainbando99.

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