Paige Bueckers has spent the last year proving she belongs among the WNBA’s elite, yet even as her profile continues to rise, the Dallas Wings star admits one small personal battle keeps getting the better of her.
During a recent podcast appearance, Bueckers revealed that a simple New Year’s goal has been far tougher than expected, offering fans a glimpse into the relaxed, self aware side of one of basketball’s brightest young faces.
Appearing on the Aari & Rachel Unfiltered podcast, the 2025 Rookie of the Year said she has been trying to clean up her language, though early returns have been mixed.
“I’m trying to watch my language,” Bueckers said with a laugh. “I’m trying to stop saying naughty words… No, not yet. But I’m going to work on it tomorrow.”
The confession landed as a light moment for a player who is rarely seen losing composure publicly. Even in emotionally charged games, Bueckers tends to stay measured.
Last season’s physical matchup against the Indiana Fever, when defenders pressured her relentlessly, was one of the few times she showed visible frustration, yet she avoided letting the moment spiral.
That mental steadiness helped her deliver a standout rookie campaign. Bueckers averaged 19.2 points, 3.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists, quickly establishing herself as the focal point of Dallas’ offense.
The Wings, however, struggled to translate individual brilliance into wins, finishing tied for the league’s worst record at 10 and 34. In close games where tension spikes and possessions tighten, Bueckers admits emotions can still leak through.
Building influence beyond the stat sheet
Off the court, Bueckers has leaned into her growing influence as the face of a rebuilding franchise. In a recent rapid fire segment, she was asked to choose between Miami and Dallas and instantly backed her WNBA home.
“Free agents, Dallas is the place to be,” she said, half joking but clearly invested in the idea of helping shape the roster’s future.
Her play in Unrivaled with Breeze BC has backed up the confidence. Bueckers is averaging 18.3 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.3 assists, narrowly missing a triple double in a recent outing. She has also been perfect from the free throw line, putting herself in position for a $50,000 bonus.
Yet attracting elite talent to North Texas remains complicated by factors outside Bueckers‘ control. Wings CEO Greg Bibb confirmed this week that the team’s planned $48.6 million training facility, originally scheduled to open in spring 2026, has been pushed back another year.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed that we’re not getting ready to move into two facilities that we thought we were going to be moving into when we signed the agreement,” Bibb told The Dallas Morning News. “But I do believe in the city and its leadership.”
The Wings also continue to play at College Park Center in Arlington, which seats just over 6,200 fans, well below the capacity of many WNBA arenas. With free agency paused until a new collective bargaining agreement is finalized, infrastructure remains a quiet but meaningful hurdle.
For Bueckers, the focus stays on steady growth, both personally and professionally. Whether she is refining her game, helping elevate the franchise or simply trying to break an everyday habit, the 23 year old continues to navigate stardom with a mix of humor and perspective.
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