“At the end of the day, I’m going to protect my teammates. That’s what I do.” Sophie Cunningham’s words are as true as her actions for her teammates. From protecting Caitlin Clark on the floor after that infamous Connecticut Sun game ‘fight’ incident. In defending and praising Caitlin Clark on her podcast, Sophie has embraced the protector role. While the first episode of her podcast, Show Me Something, was about her WNBA career and other stories surrounding her life and pop culture. The second episode included her thoughts about the exciting Rookie of the Year race.
For the 2024 WNBA season, there was a clear consensus regarding the winner of the ROTY. With Caitlin Clark a running favourite, the announcement was nothing but a formality. Similarly, this year, everybody expected a clear-cut winner in Paige Buckers. Her record-breaking season has indeed fulfilled the promise she displayed as a college basketball player. While Paige has put up remarkable performances this year, two other rookies have also dazzled the WNBA audience with their play. Consistent performances from Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen have also left their mark on the basketball world. But with less than a third of the regular season left, time may be running out for them the change the voters’ minds.
Discussing this year’ rookie race on the latest episode of her Show Me Something podcast, Sophie Cunningham said that she thinks that Paige Bueckers should win the Rookie of the Year. Talking about Paige Bueckers, she said, “I just love her vibe and her energy. Like, I just think that she is a good freaking human and she’s a great basketball player, but like she really is. She’s like a great teammate and a phenomenal leader, and like I’m all for that.” Sophie Cunningham’s words ring true, as it is very seldom that a rookie is considered to be the leader of the team. But in Paige Bueckers’ case, she was expected to be the leader and the best player of the Dallas Wings, the moment her name was called in the draft.
Continuing to talk about Paige’s potential ROTY award, Sophie said, “I think a lot of people, she’s probably going to win the Rookie of the Year, as she should.” Paige Bueckers is a heavy favourite to win the ROTY for the 2025 WNBA season. With her season progressing at a record pace, BETMGM is giving -5000 odds on her victory. Throughout the 24 games she has played in so far, Bueckers is averaging 18.6 points per game. Her major competition for the award are Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen. The number 3 and 4 draft picks, respectively, have had a rookie year to be proud of.
With Sonia Citron, averaging 14.3 points per game and shooting an incredible 36.9% of her 3-pointers, she has had a rookie year worthy of at least consideration for the ROTY award. Kiki Iriafen, on the other hand, has averaged 12.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game. Although much of the WNBA landscape, including Sophie Cunningham, thinks that it may be too late and Paige Bueckers has done enough to win the award, nothing is certain in professional sports. Especially when injuries can also play a big part.
Paige Bueckers Exits Game With Injury As Dallas Wings Lose 22nd Game of the Season
Paige Bueckers has had a rookie year that’ll make anyone proud. Coming into the WNBA as a National champion and as one of the most hyped rookies ever, expectations were sky high for her. However, with each passing game, she has matched those expectations and then some. She has already broken and tied many records in her young WNBA career. As of now, her career at a trajectory where she has even left Caitlin Clark behind.
However, her rookie year has not come without its challenges. Despite her amazing performances, the Dallas Wings have struggled massively. The biggest spoilsport in professional sports, injuries, has also followed her. Having already gone through the devastating ACL injury in college, Paige’s journey in the WNBA has also had hiccups due to injury. She has missed 5 games in her rookie season owing to injuries.
May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) looks on during the second half against the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
First, there was the league concussion protocol that made her miss 4 games. Then, there was a right knee niggle that kept her out of a game. However, since mid-June, she has remained fit and has played in all games. But that streak may be at risk as well. During the Dallas Wings’ recent loss against the New York Liberty, Paige Bueckers left the game at the 2:37 mark in the third quarter with a back injury.
Although she calmed the fans down during the post-game presser, saying that she is taking the injury as “day to day.” However, with back injuries being very tricky to deal with, there is no confirmation if Paige Bueckers will play the home game against the New York Liberty. With the Dallas Wings sitting near the bottom of the league with an 8-22 record, it is very unlikely that they can make the playoffs now. At a time like this, it may be wise to give Paige Bueckers all the rest and time she needs to come back from her back injury.
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