Wings’ Paige Bueckers faces more scrutiny in WNBA Rookie of the Year race originally appeared on The Sporting News
For virtually the entire 2025 season, Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has been considered the overwhelming favorite to win WNBA Rookie of the Year honors.
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But the Washington Mystics’ Sonia Citron is closing in fast as the regular season enters its final weeks, and an award race that once held little intrigue could suddenly blow up.
MORE: Mystics’ Sonia Citron sends Paige Bueckers a Rookie of the Year warning
WNBA legend Candace Parker and Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston — both former Rookies of the Year — broke down what Bueckers has to do to stay ahead of Citron on their “Post Moves” podcast this week. In essence, Bueckers already has built a strong case — she leads all rookies in points, assists and steals per game — but Citron’s efficiency and head-to-head wins over Bueckers threaten to tip the scales.
“Everyone that has to vote (on the award) is going to have a fun job doing that,” Boston said. “Both Sonia and Paige are killing it.”
Parker, who remains the only player in league history to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, suspects Bueckers has the award in the bag. But Citron’s recent performances — including 18 points in a win over Bueckers’ Wings last Sunday — have given Parker some pause, as has the fact that Bueckers has missed seven games this season.
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“It’s just a matter of her being on the court, (it’s) what all of us want to see,” Parker said. “I think I give the nod to Paige Bueckers for Rookie of the Year, but Sonia, make me change my ways!”
Whether Bueckers holds on or Citron completes an improbable rally to win Rookie of the Year, the WNBA is in good hands with these players — both named to All-Star teams as rookies, and both celebrated for their efficient, multifaceted playing styles.
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