ROOKIE TAKEOVER: Paige Bueckers Named WNBA Rookie of the Month After Explosive June — Dallas Wings Star Already Eyeing MVP Talk
There’s a new name dominating the WNBA conversation, and she’s making it crystal clear—this is only the beginning. Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers has officially been named the WNBA Rookie of the Month for June, after a scorching run that saw her average 21.6 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. The buzz around her name is no longer about potential—it’s about impact, legacy, and now… MVP possibilities.
In a month where nearly every game felt like a statement, Bueckers didn’t just keep up—she set the pace. Her silky-smooth offensive arsenal, elite court vision, and unmatched poise have quickly made her the face of this rookie class—and perhaps the face of the future WNBA.
But it’s not just the W that Bueckers is making history in. Flashback just over a year, and she was already making national headlines with a groundbreaking $500,000 NIL deal to commit to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, one of the most iconic women’s basketball programs in the nation. That decision sent shockwaves through the college hoops world—and now, she’s doing the same at the pro level.
—
WNBA Stardom Was Always the Plan
For those who have followed her rise from high school phenom in Minnesota to college star and now professional standout, Paige Bueckers’ domination feels inevitable. She’s been that girl for a long time—and June 2025 was the month the WNBA fully realized it.
Some of her jaw-dropping performances include:
June 5 vs. Phoenix Mercury: 28 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds.
June 12 vs. New York Liberty: 25 points, 8 assists.
June 18 vs. Indiana Fever: 31 points in a thrilling win over Caitlin Clark’s squad.
June 27 vs. Chicago Sky: 23 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds.
Bueckers torched some of the league’s toughest backcourts while maintaining incredible efficiency. Her shooting splits? 48% FG, 42% from deep, and nearly 90% from the free throw line. She’s not just getting buckets—she’s doing it with precision and purpose.
—
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR? It’s a Wrap.
This WNBA rookie class was one of the most hyped in league history, featuring headliners like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso. But now, with summer in full swing, the Rookie of the Year race isn’t a race at all.
It’s Paige Bueckers’ award to lose—and she’s not losing it.
While others have had flashes, Bueckers has been a consistent force, leading her team in scoring and orchestrating the offense like a seasoned All-Star. Her Player Efficiency Rating (PER) leads all rookies, and her impact shows up in every win column. She’s not just putting up numbers—she’s changing games.
—
From Lady Vol to WNBA Star
Before lighting up the pros, Bueckers made headlines in 2024 by committing to the Tennessee Lady Volunteers in a blockbuster deal worth $500,000, one of the richest NIL agreements in women’s college basketball at the time.
That partnership was more than a contract—it was a commitment to legacy. The Lady Vols, once home to legends like Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker, were eager to return to national dominance. Bueckers, known for her killer instinct and love for tradition, saw it as the perfect fit.
Though her college career ultimately took a different route due to external factors, the message was clear: Paige Bueckers is a generational investment.
That $500K wasn’t just about marketing—it was about what she brought to the game: talent, character, and star power.
—
Is MVP Talk Too Soon?
Let’s talk big picture.
Paige Bueckers isn’t just blowing away her rookie peers—she’s putting up MVP-level production. It’s rare for a first-year player to enter that conversation, but with her numbers and leadership, it’s starting to feel real.
Her 21.6 PPG would place her among the top five scorers in the league. Add in her elite efficiency and ability to create for others, and you’ve got a player who’s making the Wings relevant in the Western Conference playoff race.
If Dallas surges up the standings and Bueckers continues this pace? Don’t be surprised when her name starts appearing in MVP shortlists come September.
—
The Face of the Franchise—and the League?
The Dallas Wings knew what they were getting on draft night, but even they must be shocked at how quickly Paige Bueckers has taken over. She’s become the team’s engine—scoring, playmaking, defending, and leading all at once.
More importantly, she’s capturing hearts and minds across the country.
Her jersey is flying off shelves. Her highlights dominate social media. Her poise in interviews and presence on the court make her not just a basketball player—but a role model for the next generation of athletes.
The WNBA has seen stars rise before, but Bueckers has a unique combination of skill, story, and star power. And at just 23 years old, she’s only getting started.
—
A New Era Begins
If June was the month the WNBA officially handed Paige Bueckers the keys to the future, July may be the month she starts redefining what that future looks like.
Rookie of the Month? Check.
Rookie of the Year? All but guaranteed.
All-Star selection? Very likely.
MVP candidate? The buzz is getting louder.
She’s got the stats. She’s got the moments. And now, she’s got the league watching her every move.
From a $500K NIL deal with the Lady Vols to WNBA stardom with the Dallas Wings, Bueckers has been on a mission to dominate at every level. The next step? Championships.
