Kudos to Paige Bueckers for clinching the WNBA Rookie of the Year award! WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented the Dallas Wings’ star guard with the trophy during a vibrant appearance on *The Jennifer Hudson Show*. The surprise announcement came right as Bueckers made her grand entrance, a signature moment on a show known for its extravagant welcomes, creating an unforgettable celebration.
Shortly after, the WNBA issued a press release lauding Bueckers’ historic rookie season, revealing the voting breakdown. Many expected the former UConn standout to secure a unanimous Rookie of the Year win, but, like Caitlin Clark the previous year, she fell short of a clean sweep.
Paige Bueckers Denied Unanimous Victory
Two voters controversially chose Washington Mystics’ sharpshooting rookie Sonia Citron over Bueckers. Citron, one of Washington’s standout first-year players, had an impressive season and might have been a deserving winner in another year. However, awarding her votes in a season dominated by Bueckers raises questions about the voting process’s integrity, despite the majority getting it right.
A similar issue occurred with Clark last season. Her record-breaking rookie campaign, marked by exceptional scoring and playmaking that propelled the Indiana Fever to the playoffs, was undeniably the best among first-year players. Yet, one voter opted for Angel Reese, who had a stellar season leading the league in rebounds and averaging a double-double but didn’t match Clark’s overall impact.
Bueckers’ season was equally remarkable. She’s the only WNBA rookie to average at least 19 points while shooting 47% from the field. Only Candace Parker has matched such scoring efficiency with five assists per game across an entire career, not just a rookie season. Bueckers ranked fifth in scoring, ninth in assists, and sixth in steals league-wide—stats unmatched by any other player this year. Her 44-point performance on August 20, delivered with remarkable efficiency, and three Rookie of the Month awards further cemented her dominance. While Citron’s achievements were notable within Mystics franchise history, Bueckers shattered league-wide records.
The lack of a unanimous vote may seem trivial to some, but it undermines the credibility of the process. Voting for Citron over Bueckers suggests the Mystics rookie outperformed her, which isn’t supported by the numbers. The WNBA must address how voters prioritize fandom over facts to ensure fairness in future awards.