Caitlin Clark was one of the biggest WNBA Draft prospects in recent memory last season. She carried her immense popularity from Iowa to the Indiana Fever. Indiana received no shortage of attention throughout the 2024 campaign, as Clark's presence led to plenty of sold out arenas. Paige Bueckers may not have the same amount of popularity as Clark -- although Bueckers is still quite popular -- but can Bueckers become the better WNBA player?
Even Clark has admitted that Bueckers' poise is especially impressive. Bueckers' talent unquestionably stands out as well. She is expected to be selected first overall on Monday night in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Clark was also expected to be selected first overall in 2024, something that came to fruition once the Fever were on the clock.
Clark finished fourth in MVP voting in 2024... as a rookie. She cruised to the Rookie of the Year Award. Is Bueckers on a similar trajectory?
Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark
It is easy to forget that Bueckers is older than Clark, Caitlin just declared for the draft before Paige. They are both 23, but Bueckers will turn 24 in October while Clark won't be 24 until January. Nevertheless, age won't make much of a difference in deciding who is the better player in this situation.
Bueckers was at UConn for five years but only played in four seasons due to injury. Clark also played four seasons. As good as Bueckers' college basketball career was, Clark accomplished herculean feats at Iowa.
The guard averaged 28.4 points per game for her career, while Bueckers recorded a points per game average of 19.8. Caitlin also finished her college basketball career with 8.2 assists and 7.1 rebounds per outing, while Bueckers turned in averages of 4.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists per contest.
Clark averaged far more shots per game than Bueckers. Paige was much more efficient. The UConn guard shot 53.1 percent from the field and 42.3 percent from beyond the arc. The Iowa guard shot 46.2 percent on her field goal attempts and 37.7 percent on her three-point attempts.
Overall, the statistics suggest that Clark has the brighter future. And maybe the statistics aren't lying, but it is important to note that Bueckers played on a better overall team. After all, UConn won the championship this past season.
Predicting the future
Greatness is partially a result of talent. It also requires some luck and a good fit. Clark has stayed healthy so far and her fit with the Fever is a good one. As long as Bueckers can stay healthy, she can be great.
Her fit with the Dallas Wings -- assuming Dallas does indeed select Bueckers first overall on Monday night -- projects to be a quality one. Playing alongside Arike Ogunbowale will only help Paige improve as her career moves forward.
So will Paige Bueckers be a better WNBA player than Caitlin Clark? It's difficult to say, but the one thing that can be confirmed is that the competition is closer than some fans may be led to believe. If Bueckers lives up to her potential, she could challenge Clark.
Only time will tell, however.