Paige Bueckers is entering what will be the most pivotal year in her basketball career. She won her first title with UConn less than a month ago and was drafted by the Dallas Wings a couple of weeks later. How will Bueckers' game change between her time as a Husky and what's to come with the Wings?
The Wings revamped their roster over the offseason, but they're not in a position where they're feeling pressure to win a title (hence why they were able to draft Paige). The best part about that is the rookie will have the freedom to figure things out, but that doesn't mean she won't feel pressure individually. Opposing teams will be out to shut Paige down.
Growing pains are inevitable as a rookie. The game is much faster and more physical than it is in college. Bueckers got her first taste of that against A'ja Wilson and the Aces. The learning curve will continue as Dallas navigates its first season under new head coach Chris Koclanes, who said part of what makes Bueckers so special is that she can "fill the gap."
Paige Bueckers will have plenty of room to grow with Wings
Bueckers will operate as Dallas' lead playmaker and facilitator as the point guard, a role she's familiar with, but not in the WNBA. Like everything else she'll experience in the W, there will be an adjustment period. Dallas will give Bueckers the freedom to figure things out, as there's no better experience than in-game situations.
She can also play off the ball, taking pressure off her as the opposing defense's focal point. Bueckers' backcourt partner, Arike Ogunbowale, will also command plenty of attention as one of the league's top scorers. Bueckers will need to adjust to the physicality that opposing defenses will play her with, but it'll help that Ogunbowale can also facilitate, helping Bueckers get open looks to get going.
Mistakes will happen, even to a generational player like Paige. Her play will still be dissected under a microscope like at UConn, but the Wings will grant her the space to learn as she goes. Paige's game will translate to the WNBA, but it'll take time. She's part of a team trying to figure out its identity. The first few weeks may be shaky, but that's normal. Don't count out the Wings, though, as they could make some noise come playoff time.