While there are no guarantees in sports, the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft has historically been close to a sure thing. In the 27-year history of the WNBA (2025 is year No. 28), more than half of the No. 1 overall picks in the draft have gone on to win the Rookie of the Year Award.
That has created a high level of expectation for the top-pick in each year’s draft, however, Indiana Fever superstar, Caitlin Clark has raised that bar even higher.
During the 2024 WNBA season, Clark’s rookie year, she became the first player in league history to average at least 15 points per game and at least five assists per game. Clark averaged 19.2 points and 8.4 assists per game.
As per @PolymarketHoops on X, Bueckers, through nine games, is on pace to join Clark as the only other player to average at least 15 points and five assists per game in their rookie season.
Bueckers is currently averaging 17.7 points and 5.7 assists per game to go along with her 4.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game.
Per FanDuel sportsbook, Bueckers is currently a massive favorite to win the WNBA Rookie of the Year Award (minus-950). The second favorite is the Washington Mystics forward, Kiki Iriafen (plus-750).
Although Bueckers has experienced individual success this season, it has not led to wins for her team, the Dallas Wings. The Wings currently hold the worst record in the league at 2-11.
Bueckers has missed four games so far this season due to injury, however, she appeared fully healthy in her team’s 80-71 win over the Golden State Valkyries on Tuesday night.
Bueckers’ next chance to stay on pace with Clark’s historic rookie season will come on Friday night at 7:30 p.m. EDT on the road against the Connecticut Sun.
It will be a homecoming of sorts for Bueckers, who played her college basketball at the University of Connecticut.
Related: Insane Caitlin Clark 3-Point Shooting Statistic is Turning Heads
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Fever Teammate Becomes Favorite to Win Major WNBA Award
