The WNBA has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last few years of its operations. While their revenues have gone up significantly, one name largely responsible for the same is Caitlin Clark. With her sublime play in her rookie season, the league benefited massively from Clark’s antics. However, with the 23-year-old facing the toughest challenges with her injury-ridden season, a new phenom has been coming up. And according to Jason Whitlock, the WNBA is behind the Paige Bueckers push.
Bueckers has been one of the few names that have been on everyone’s lips this season. Playing for the first time in the league, the 23-year-old has delivered performances that remind fans of Clark. However, according to Whitlock, the WNBA is deliberately using the Indiana Fever star’s injury to promote Bueckers.
Jason Whitlock Accuses The WNBA Behind The Paige Bueckers Push
Sports commentator Whitlock recently expressed his doubts over Clark’s injury updates. On several occasions now, head coach Stephanie White has delivered a grim update about the 2024 Rookie of the Year. And this is where Whitlock has found things to be fishy. He mentioned that Clark is travelling with the team, signing autographs, and even participating in light training. But there has been no indication of when she will return.
And it is for this reeling confusion that Whitlock feels that the WNBA now wants to shift focus from the Fever star. While they would not want the hype around their league to die down, the sports commentator feels that the league is deliberately shifting the momentum towards the Dallas Wings’ guard.
“They [The WNBA] would be very comfortable with Paige Bueckers as the face of the league. She’s a le**ian. She scored 44 points last night. She’s got a special whistle. The league is trying to lean into Paige Bueckers because she fits the profile of what they want,” said Whitlock.
Another feat for PB5 🙌
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 23, 2025
Paige Bueckers joins Caitlin Clark as the second rookie in WNBA history to record 500+ PTS, 150+ AST, 100+ REB, and 50+ STL in a season. #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/G1rooMRgLo
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Well, Whitlock is not alone. Following Bueckers’ impeccable 44-point game, the likes of Draymond Green, too, hinted at a possible shift taking place. Even the likes of Dan Patrick have declared the Clark-Bueckers rivalry true among growing debates. However, with all the noise coming in, one thing is for sure. Even if the league is pushing the Wings’ rookie, she has the stats to back herself. And having a blazing form this season, Bueckers has been oozing confidence about how her opponents have struggled to contain her.
Paige Bueckers Drops Honest Confession About Teams Struggling To Defend Her
The 23-year-old rookie is in some dream form at the moment. Despite the Dallas Wings having a forgettable season so far, Bueckers has been their knight in shining armor. And with each passing game, her performance is seemingly getting to the next level. Playing against the Los Angeles Sparks, Wings once again failed to capture a victory. But it was the former UConn Huskies star who stole the show. Dropping 44 points, she almost single-handedly took the game away from the Sparks. And as the defense struggled, Bueckers later revealed the reason for the same.
“It’s a lot of repetition in practice. And learning and growing, watching film of how you can get to your spots, how you can attack, how you can use your teammates screening for you, attacking in transition and when teams switch on screens. Just reading the possession. I truly think basketball has gotten away from it — it’s mostly layups and 3s. Teams don’t know how to guard it. So I think it’s an advantage when you can score in the midrange,” Bueckers told reporters.
Surely, the numbers have been top-notch for the 23-year-old. Till now, the Wings’ guard has been averaging 19.7 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game. And with her performance on the rise, it remains to be seen what happens next.