The last two WNBA seasons has showcased the remarkable talents of two standout rookies: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever in 2024 and Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings this year in 2025.
Both players, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in their respective drafts, have made significant impacts on their teams.
While Clark remains the more marketable name and her impact on the WNBA has been viewed as historic, Bueckers’ performances on the court have attracted major acclaim.
Bueckers is on course to follow Clark into the Rookie of the Year history books after a phenomenal season for the Wings.
But how does she measure up to Clark after the Fever star’s incredible opening campaign in Indiana 12 months ago?
Caitlin Clark’s 2024 rookie season stats
Caitlin Clark, playing for the Indiana Fever, delivered impressive numbers in her rookie season. She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds in 40 games in her rookie season in 2024.
Her displays did not go unnoticed, and Clark was selected to play in her first All-Star game, as well as scooping the Rookie of the Year award.
Despite facing challenges this season, including a groin injury that limited her to just 13 games so far, Clark’s contributions have been vital for the Fever’s competitiveness and the team have struggled in her absence.
She outranks Bueckers in every category apart from steals per game and her field goal percentages, which are fractionally lower.
Paige Bueckers’ 2025 rookie season stats
Paige Bueckers has quickly established herself as a cornerstone for the Dallas Wings, building on her promise from UConn.
Over 24 games, she has averaged 18.6 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. Her shooting efficiency stands at 45.7 percent from the field and 86.1 percent from the free-throw line.
Notably, Bueckers has recorded four consecutive 20-point games and has achieved this feat 13 times this season. Her performance has been instrumental in the Wings’ offensive strategies.
Who is the better rookie, Clark or Bueckers?
While Bueckers leads in scoring and shooting efficiency, Clark excels in playmaking and rebounding. Both players have demonstrated versatility and have been pivotal in their teams’ performances.
If it was purely based on statistical analysis, most analysts would have to conclude that Clark has enjoyed a slightly more productive season than Bueckers, albeit in a team with much better form.
The reality is that the expectation that followed Clark from Iowa was arguably much higher and she still delivered.
If nothing else, WNBA fans can marvel at the fact that they have two generational players performing every week, driving up standards all the time as they compete with each other.
Read the full article here
