Paige Bueckers burst onto the WNBA scene with confidence and remarkable skill. Joining the Dallas Wings for the 2025 season, she quickly became one of the league’s most talked-about rookies. Despite her team finishing with the worst record of the year, Bueckers’ individual brilliance could not be denied. Her exceptional performances earned her the coveted Rookie of the Year award, a testament to her talent, work ethic, and ability to shine even in challenging circumstances.
Her rise did not go unnoticed, especially by former NBA star Dwyane Wade. The three-time NBA champion and future Hall of Famer expressed admiration for Bueckers, praising her impact and charisma on and off the court.
She’s had one awesome year. You’re talking about somebody winning in life.
Wade said, clearly impressed with the young star’s achievements during her first season in the league.
Wade was quick to clarify that his praise came purely as a fan. Although he has friendships with several WNBA players – including Angel Reese and Candace Parker – he admitted that he doesn’t personally know Bueckers, but hopes to.
I’m just a fan [of Bueckers]. I don’t know Paige Bueckers, everybody… But, like, she just looks cool to me, bro. I want to be her friend.
He added.
It’s worth noting that Wade is a co-owner of the Chicago Sky and has developed close relationships with top WNBA figures such as Reese, Parker, and A’Ja Wilson. Now, he hopes to add Bueckers to that circle, connecting two personalities admired for their skill and positive energy.
Dwyane Wade admires Paige Bueckers’ strength and confidence
The former Miami Heat superstar – who also played for the Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers – was captivated not only by Bueckers’ finesse with the basketball but also by her toughness and physicality when competing. Wade recalled a memorable moment when Bueckers boldly challenged a veteran opponent.
Now, I remember the clip that went viral where she was talking to Kelsey Plum about, ‘When I, if I, I will put you right there on that block, and I’m going to hit you and I’m going to go over top of you on the shoulder,’ right? She was letting her know; ‘You’re too small.’ And then they played each other in the playoffs, and she did exactly what she told us she was going to do.
Wade said.
The moment that defined Paige Bueckers’ rookie year
Wade’s comments referred to a regular-season game between the Dallas Wings and the Los Angeles Sparks, a matchup that became a turning point in Bueckers’ young career. In that game, Bueckers delivered a historic performance, scoring 44 points, setting a unique record for a rookie.
Although her individual numbers were spectacular, the night ended in heartbreak as the Wings lost at the buzzer on a game-winning shot by Kelsey Plum. Afterward, Bueckers and Plum shared a lighthearted conversation about their battle, with Bueckers joking about carrying Plum on her shoulder – a moment Plum played along with.
She put her little bitty self on that block and she hit her with the ‘boom boom fade.’ ‘You too little.’ And I was like… and so it was really cool because at the time it was like, who is this little cocky rookie coming in telling Kelsey that, ‘I’ll put your little bitty a- on that block?’ ‘Let me show you. Let me get this. I’ll put your a- on that block.’ Smelled so cold to me, bro.
Wade recalled.
Two months later, when the teams met again in a more physical playoff matchup, Bueckers backed up her words by overpowering Plum and even knocking her to the floor, solidifying her reputation as a fearless competitor.
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