Paige Bueckers has been thrown into the deep end of the WNBA this season, but even the most talented rookies can feel adrift when the support system around them suddenly vanishes.
With both NaLyssa Smith and DiJonai Carrington, her closest confidantes on the Dallas Wings, now playing elsewhere, Bueckers finds herself at a crossroads, learning what it truly means to navigate the professional game on her own.
It is a stark shift for the rookie star, who entered the league surrounded by guidance and friendship from Smith and Carrington.
“I love those guys,” Bueckers said, reflecting on the mentorship she received from the now-former Wings. “They kind of adopted me as parents. I guess, I was their child.
“Just what they meant to me, welcoming me in my rookie year, embracing me, embracing my personality, embracing my annoyingness. They became big sisters to me. I look for them for advice on how to navigate this whole thing.”
Her words highlight the often-unseen bonds that help young athletes adapt to the pressures of the WNBA. For Bueckers, these relationships were more than just locker room friendships, they were lifelines.
Carrington and Smith shine in new homes
The impact of Dallas‘s midseason trades has rippled far beyond the Wings‘ locker room. DiJonai Carrington made her debut for the Minnesota Lynx in style, delivering 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists off the bench to help the Lynx top the Seattle Storm.
With Napheesa Collier sidelined by a sprained ankle, Carrington‘s presence has already given Minnesota a much-needed boost as they fight to stay competitive.
Carrington responded to Bueckers‘ tribute on social media, writing, “Our babygirl forever frfr,” making it clear that their bond endures, even as their careers take different paths.
Meanwhile, NaLyssa Smith has quickly adapted to her new role with the Las Vegas Aces, where she’s averaged 7.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game since the trade.
Smith‘s move to a title-contending roster reflects both her growth as a player and the shifting landscape of the WNBA as teams jostle for playoff positioning.
New realities for Paige Bueckers in Dallas
For Bueckers, the changes have left a void on and off the court. Without her veteran mentors, she now faces the challenge of leading by example, even as she is still learning the ropes herself.
The Wings‘ roster, marked by youth and inexperience, has become a testing ground for the rookie’s poise and leadership.
But adversity has a way of revealing character, and Bueckers‘ early performance suggests she’s not shying away from the responsibility.
As the team looks to develop a new identity in the wake of the trades, the rookie’s ability to adapt and persevere will be crucial.
Her journey underscores the reality faced by many young WNBA players: careers can change overnight, and support networks can be fleeting.
But the friendships forged in the crucible of competition often last, as evidenced by the ongoing affection between Bueckers and her “WNBA parents.”
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Paige Bueckers, not just to see if she can fill the void left by her mentors, but to witness how she makes her own mark in Dallas and the league at large.
Read the full article here
