Paige Bueckers has outshined Caitlin Clark, despite the WNBA’s initial focus on Clark as the league’s next big star at Athlon Sports. Even though players like Naphesa Collier, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, Alyssa Thomas, and Arike Ogunbowale showcase impressive skills, the league put its spotlight on Clark.
Clark was widely regarded as the best prospect since Candace Parker in 2008 but has since been outperformed. When it comes to individual statistics, Dallas Wings’ star Paige Bueckers is a far more well-rounded player. Bueckers, who was the top pick from UConn, excels as a playmaker and ball-handler and is simply more effective on the court compared to Clark.
During her rookie season, Bueckers scored more points, averaged more steals, and shot more efficiently both from long range and mid-range. Clark’s 27.9% shooting from deep falls short of the Stephen Curry comparisons she received in college. A notable difference is Clark’s weak 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio, dwarfed by Bueckers’ strong 2.6 mark.
This is not to criticize Clark’s scoring talent—she remains a high-volume scorer and a key player on her team despite efficiency issues. However, the WNBA prematurely named her the face of the league before she even played a game, a gamble that hasn’t fully paid off. While her team, the Fever, has a better season record than the Wings, Bueckers’ growth trajectory is promising, whereas Clark appears stuck with little progress ahead. It’s unclear if Clark can make a second All-WNBA first team, but her growing fame keeps her in the spotlight.
Fan Take: This development is crucial for WNBA fans as it signals a shift in rising superstar narratives, showcasing that potential and past hype don’t always guarantee sustained dominance. Paige Bueckers’ continued growth could inspire greater competition and excitement in the league, strengthening its future appeal.
