Paige Bueckers Fortifies Impressive Case for WNBA Rookie of the Year Honors
Headline: Paige Bueckers Takes the Lead in the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year Race
The 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year race is heating up, with three standout players making a significant impact - Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, and Kiki Iriafen.
Paige Bueckers (Dallas Wings) has emerged as the clear favourite, leading the race statistically and in expert betting markets. Bueckers is averaging around 18.4-18.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.0-4.1 rebounds per game, with shooting efficiency near 45.2%. She has set a new record as the fastest rookie in WNBA history to reach 450+ points, 100+ rebounds, and 100+ assists, achieving this in her 25th career game.
Bueckers' consistency is unparalleled, as she has consistently scored at least 10 points in every game. Despite missing 7 games due to injury/illness, she remains central to the Wings' play and prospects. Bueckers was named an All-Star starter and is expected to continue the recent trend of No. 1 draft picks winning Rookie of the Year, being the fourth consecutive top pick projected for this honour.
Sonia Citron (Washington Mystics) is among the top contenders, with +2500 odds. Citron is averaging approximately 14.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, shooting very efficiently at 46.5%. Citron leads all rookies with 51 three-pointers made and recently broke franchise rookie scoring records for the Mystics. Her impact has been particularly noticeable since a trade of a key teammate, stepping up as the team's leading scorer. Citron earned an All-Star selection as a rookie and has 9 games remaining to challenge top rookie scoring records held by Caitlin Clark.
Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics) is also at +2500 odds in Rookie of the Year betting. Iriafen is averaging around 12.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Iriafen has been integral to turning the Mystics' season around and received a rookie All-Star selection. She provides a strong inside presence combined with rebounding.
While Bueckers leads the race, Citron and Iriafen have delivered impactful rookie seasons, bolstered by All-Star nods and strong scoring and rebounding contributions. This makes the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year race historically competitive, with each player showcasing their unique strengths and contributions to their respective teams.
In August, Bueckers is averaging 20.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game while shooting 52.6 percent from the field. She extended her streak of double-digit scoring games to 25, the longest active run in the league. In a game against Washington, Bueckers scored 17 points against Washington in her return from a back injury, marking her sixth straight game with at least 17 points.
Washington's rookie duo, Citron and Iriafen, made strong statements in Sunday's game against Dallas. Citron scored 18 points, made 7 field goals, 1 3-pointer, and 3 free throws, had 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal in 32 minutes. Iriafen scored 23 points, made 9 field goals, had 10 rebounds, and 1 assist in 23 minutes.
However, neither Citron nor Iriafen has matched Bueckers' season-long dominance or her ability to lead her team's offense night after night. Citron has shot 72.7 percent from the field in her last two outings, and she has averaged 19.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.8 steals, and 2.3 threes per game over the past six games. Iriafen is averaging 12.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season.
The 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year race remains exciting, with Paige Bueckers leading the way but Washington's rookie duo posing a significant threat. The upcoming games will be crucial in determining the ultimate winner of this highly competitive race.
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