The leading 3-point shooter in the WNBA might surprise you, because it's Atlanta Dream rookie Te-Hina Paopao, who was drafted by the team in the second round after graduating from South Carolina this year. Paopao is shooting 57.1% from three across 13 games so far this season and 58.2% overall.
Paopao, who was known for her shooting in college, didn't enter the draft with the highest expectations. In fact, she was picked up by the Dream after several other collegiate stars, including Madison Scott and Shyanne Sellers, were drafted by the Wings and the Valkyries, respectively. And while Scott and Sellers have since been waived, Paopao has proven that the Dream were right to make the investment in her in the first place.
Paopao's rookie season has been eventful
Paopao has been a fan favorite since her notorious "welcome to the league" moment, when she ran straight into a screen set by the Fever's Natasha Howard (Paopao later admitted she was "being a little dramatic" when she fell flat to the floor, but also noted she didn't hear teammate Brittney Griner call the screen).
A rookie that can shoot LIGHTS OUT 🚨
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 22, 2025
Te-Hina Paopao put on quite the shooting display in today's win over the Sky!
Paopao had 16 PTS and went 5-6 from beyond the arc and finished the game shooting 83.3% from DEEP#WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/O8X7WvOWVv
She has started four games for the Dream so far, and is averaging 6.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 14 minutes of play. Paopao also electrified Dream fans during the team's game against the Sky Sunday when she went 5-6 from beyond the arc and racked up 16 points.
The 2025 rookie class is extremely strong
This year's class of rookies has already achieved beyond expectations most placed on them. In addition to Paopao, the Mystics are seeing incredible results from Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen, and the Wings have unlocked a lot of potential from Paige Bueckers.
Paopao is proving to her teammates that she can be trusted to handle the ball and hit big shots when they need her to. The team's head coach Karl Smesko told ClutchPoints that Paopao excels at "aggressively seeking her shot" and is fully capable of taking advantage of every opportunity she gets to score, something the Dream has needed from its roster for some time.
Paopao has also helped the team shake off their fourth quarter wobbles, something that is proving the Dream's second string can be counted on to get the job done. Part of her role on the team is supporting the starters when they need a break, and she's stepped up to the plate and done so like a seasoned vet.