Caitlin Clark has been having a dismal season so far. With Stephanie White bringing grim news for the Indiana Fever fans, the 23-year-old is still recovering from her groin injury. This came as a huge shock for the team, as the 2024 Rookie of the Year was expected to take Fever to new heights. However, despite all the inactivity, the Fever star still seems to have the edge over the others, especially Paige Bueckers. At least, that’s what ESPN’s recent survey indicates.
In the absence of Clark, another 23-year-old is setting the stage on fire. And that is none other than the Dallas Wings’ star, Bueckers. Breaking records at will, most argued that she might just be a better athlete than the former Iowa star. But the recent report suggests otherwise.
Caitlin Clark Seals Top Spot In Recent ESPN Rankings
ESPN recently released a list of 25 under-25 WNBA players. This featured a list of 25 promising young WNBA athletes under the age of 25 who have shown some incredible promise. And without any surprise, the top spot was grabbed by Clark. Although she has featured in only 13 games this season, the 23-year-old still has an impressive record.
She has been averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5.0 rebounds. Justifying the pick, ESPN’s Michael Voepel stated that the former Iowa star’s stretch when fit is massive. The report also spoke about her shooting range and Clark’s ability to tear defenses apart. Meanwhile, not falling far behind at number two is Bueckers. Creating a lot of hype, the Wings’ star has so far lived up to her billing.
Which WNBA players have the most future potential? Who has the highest ceiling? Our 25 under 25 ranks the best young players in the league. https://t.co/1O8OBBgP3F
— ESPN Women's Hoops (@ESPN_WomenHoop) August 27, 2025
She has joined Clark as the only WNBA athlete to average 19 points and five assists in the rookie season. Lastly, the former UConn Huskies’ star had her highlight moment when she dropped over 40 points with an 80% accuracy last week. Interestingly, both the stars had quite a sombre experience this season. While Bueckers’ Dallas Wings were eliminated from WNBA playoffs, Clark recently had yet another injury to worsen her woes.
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Caitlin Clark Reportedly Suffered An Additional Mid-Ankle Injury
Clark has already expressed frustrations about how her time on the bench is affecting her mental health. Suffering from her groin injury, the 23-year-old still does not have a return timeline. Although she is reportedly performing endurance training, a new injury report has caused the fans to express their concerns. As per reports from Scott Agnes and Chloe Peterson on X, formerly known as Twitter, the 2024 rookie has picked up a mid-ankle bruise.
It was further specified that the rookie star suffered the injury back on August 7. While undergoing a rehab workout, the 23-year-old suffered a bruise. “Sources confirm to me that Caitlin Clark suffered a “very mild” bone bruise in her left ankle on Aug.7. @ScottAgness first,” wrote Peterson. Surely, such news immediately made the fans panic. But much to their relief, it was reported that this injury is unlikely to affect Clark’s return timeline.