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WNBA Stars Shine: Caitlin Clark’s Technical Fix and Paige Bueckers’ Pro Journey Begins
Apr
The WNBA is buzzing with excitement as two of its brightest stars, Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, take center stage. Clark, the Indiana Fever’s record-breaking rookie, is tackling her technical foul troubles with guidance from her new coach, while Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, embarks on her professional career with the Dallas Wings. Here’s how these two phenoms are shaping the future of women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark: Channeling Passion Without the Penalties
Caitlin Clark’s rookie season with the Indiana Fever was nothing short of spectacular. She earned WNBA All-Star honors, secured a spot on the All-WNBA First Team, and seemed to break records every game. However, one blemish on her stellar campaign was her knack for picking up technical fouls—six in total, just one shy of a one-game suspension.
For a player who serves as the Fever’s catalyst, these infractions are a risk the team can’t afford. Enter new head coach Stephanie White, who is determined to help Clark harness her fiery competitiveness. During an appearance on the Good Follow Show, White emphasized the importance of timing when it comes to Clark’s passion. “The ones that happen in the heat of the moment, we live with those,” White said. “It’s the nagging ones… getting on the official and continuing to nag. That’s my job to handle.”
White is encouraging Clark to lean on WNBA legend Tamika Catchings, a former Fever star known for playing with similar intensity. The goal isn’t to dampen Clark’s fire but to channel it constructively. Clark herself is on board, vowing to cut her technicals to a maximum of two this season, as she revealed during the NCAA Tournament Championship broadcast alongside Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird.
With White’s mentorship and Clark’s self-awareness, the Fever are poised to keep their star on the court and out of foul trouble, ensuring her competitive spirit fuels victories rather than penalties.
Paige Bueckers: From UConn Glory to WNBA Stardom
Just ten days ago, Paige Bueckers was snipping a piece of the net at Tampa’s Amalie Arena, celebrating UConn’s first national championship in nine years. Fast forward to the 2025 WNBA Draft, and Bueckers was selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Dallas Wings, officially donning their navy-and-volt-green jersey.
“You just have a level of excitement, nervousness, bittersweet feeling knowing that my journey at UConn is over,” Bueckers said, “but excited for the next one to begin.”
Bueckers’ transition to the pros is one of the most anticipated storylines of the upcoming WNBA season. With training camp starting April 27 and her debut set for May 16 against the Minnesota Lynx, the spotlight is firmly on Dallas’ newest star. So, what can fans expect from Bueckers in her rookie year, and what’s her long-term potential? ESPN consulted six WNBA general managers, along with Dallas GM Curt Miller and coach Chris Koclanes, to find out.
A High-IQ Playmaker with Endless Potential
The consensus among GMs is that Bueckers is a high-IQ player with a versatile skill set. She’s not just an efficient three-level scorer but also a willing passer who can impact games in multiple ways. “She understands the game. Her IQ is very high,” one GM noted. “She could be 1-for-9 from the field but have eight assists.”
At 6 feet tall, Bueckers offers positional flexibility, capable of playing point guard, shooting guard, or even small forward. Many GMs see her thriving long-term as a pick-and-roll point guard, leveraging her playmaking alongside Dallas’ scoring machine, Arike Ogunbowale. Coach Koclanes praised her adaptability, saying, “She can fill whatever gap… on the ball or off the ball, she’ll be just as effective.”
Bueckers’ intangibles—leadership, poise, and maturity honed through overcoming knee injuries at UConn—further bolster her pro prospects. While her slight frame and injury history raise some concerns, most GMs are optimistic, citing her work with performance specialist Susan King Borchardt and her dedication to physical conditioning.
Challenges and Expectations
Like Clark, Bueckers will face a learning curve adjusting to the WNBA’s physicality and speed. Some GMs suggest she could benefit from a more assertive, “selfish” mindset on offense, a trait UConn coach Geno Auriemma encouraged during her college career. Defensively, she’s considered solid but not elite, and adapting to a 44-game season will test her endurance.
Despite these challenges, the excitement around Bueckers is palpable. “She can impact the league immediately,” one GM said. Another predicted an All-Star future, with some even seeing MVP potential if she embraces a more aggressive scoring mentality. For now, Dallas isn’t expecting her to carry the franchise single-handedly. With a revamped roster featuring newcomers like DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith, the Wings are banking on team chemistry to make noise in a competitive league.
A Franchise-Changing Presence
Beyond her on-court contributions, Bueckers brings an undeniable aura to Dallas. Her massive following, leadership, and ability to energize teammates could revitalize a franchise that won just nine games last season. “There’s an energy about certain players that can invigorate your franchise,” one GM said. “Paige has that quality.”
As Bueckers steps into the WNBA spotlight, she’s not just carrying the hopes of Dallas but also the legacy of UConn’s storied program. Her journey, paired with Clark’s ongoing evolution, signals a thrilling new era for women’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers represent the WNBA’s present and future. Clark’s commitment to reducing technicals ensures she’ll remain a dominant force for the Fever, while Bueckers’ arrival in Dallas promises to elevate the Wings and captivate fans. As these two stars navigate their challenges and chase greatness, the league is in for an electrifying season. Keep your eyes on the court—these women are just getting started.
