From the very start of her WNBA journey, Caitlin Clark stunned the league during her 2024 rookie season.
She averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds over 40 games, establishing rookie records for total points (769), assists (337), and three-pointers made (122).
That spectacular performance earned her unanimous WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and made her the first rookie to record two triple-doubles in one season, among other highlights.
She also transformed the Fever into a national draw, drawing record crowds and viewership
But in 2025, Dallas Wings No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers stepped into one of the most-watched debut seasons in recent memory.
The guard has quickly made a meaningful impact: averages hover around 18.4 points, 5.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, along with 1.7 steals per contest, shooting approximately 44.9 percent from the floor.
Uniquely, she leads the entire league in points, assists, and steals per game among rookies while also ranking top 10 in those categories overall.
Frequently compared, Bueckers already surpassed Clark‘s pace in some respects: in just 11 games, she became the fastest player in league history to reach 200 points and 50 assists, one game quicker than Clark achieved the same milestone.
Additionally, she registered the first-ever rookie line featuring 25+ points, 5+ assists, 2+ steals, 2+ blocks, and no turnovers.
Paige also earned All-Star starting honors, becoming one of only ten rookies in league history to start in the WNBA All-Star Game. She was the only rookie starter in 2025 and was named Rookie of the Month for June after posting outstanding monthly averages.
A closer look at their rookie seasons
While Clark‘s totals remain historic, with more volume and explosiveness, Bueckers has showcased exceptional efficiency and balance on a Wings squad that has struggled overall (sitting near the bottom of the standings).
Despite team woes, Paige has remained the most consistent performer, scoring in double digits every game of the season and ranking among league leaders in several categories.
Ultimately, comparing two generational talents from consecutive draft classes isn’t straightforward-they entered under different team contexts, league expectations, and media scrutiny.
Clark‘s rookie year redefined what a debut of that magnitude looked like in terms of volume and visibility.
Bueckers, on the other hand, has distinguished herself through polished, all-around play and remarkable rookie achievements despite Dallas‘ lackluster record.
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