Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers Via Pinterest

The 2025 WNBA rookie class is already rewriting expectations. Far from adjusting slowly, these new players are making immediate, measurable impacts. Leading the way is Paige Bueckers, the No.1 overall pick, but she is far from alone.

From record-setting scorers to efficient international contributors, here is a breakdown of the top five rookies transforming the WNBA this season.

Why Paige Bueckers Is Dominating the Rookie of the Year Race

Bueckers has made the leap from UConn superstar to Dallas Wings centrepiece with startling ease. In just her first month, she is averaging:

  • 17.7 points
  • 5.8 assists
  • 4.7 rebounds
  • 1.8 steals per game
  • 46.3% field goal accuracy

Despite Dallas' 3–12 record, Bueckers leads all rookies in points, steals and playmaking. Her odds of winning Rookie of the Year currently stand at – 1000, highlighting her frontrunner status.

How Kiki Iriafen Is Owning the Paint in Washington

Fourth pick Kiki Iriafen is proving to be one of the best interior players in the league, not just among rookies. She is currently posting:

  • 13.9 points
  • 9.8 rebounds
  • 47.2% shooting percentage

Named Rookie of the Month for May, Iriafen has three games with 10+ rebounds and remains Washington's most consistent player in the paint.

How Sonia Citron Became the League's Most Efficient Rookie Scorer

Washington did not stop with one standout, they also landed Sonia Citron, a high-IQ shooter already winning games. She is averaging:

  • 14.6 points per game
  • 49.1% field goal percentage
  • 35.9 % from three-point range

Her 27-point, 11-rebound game against Dallas, capped by a buzzer-beating three, was one of the most exciting rookie moments to date.

'I have always trusted my shot', Citron said after the game. 'I just try to stay calm and make plays'.

Why International Rookies Are Quietly Changing Team Chemistry

Two international players, one French, one Australian, are emerging as key rotation pieces. Though they average fewer than 8 points per game, their defensive awareness, ball movement, and low turnover rates are earning coach trust.

They are praised by coaches and analysts alike for bringing high-effort defence and tactical versatility to the court.

How Lesser-Known Rookies Like Olsen and Johnson Are Grabbing Minutes

Beyond the headline names, rookies such as Lucy Olsen are proving that the 2025 draft class runs deep. Olsen recently delivered a standout performance, scoring 14 points in 37 minutes during a crucial road win. While she has not yet posted an 11-point, 5-assist game, her steady improvement and growing confidence have earned her valuable playing time.

This broader wave of rookies is reshaping second units across the league, adding depth and versatility beyond the top picks.

The Numbers That Prove This Rookie Class Is Historic

  • Three of the top five scorers among rookies play for Washington.
  • Bueckers leads all rookies in assists, steals and 20+ point games.
  • Citron owns the highest efficiency rating among rookies with 25+ minutes per game.
  • Iriafen ranks first in rebounding and second-chance points among all first-years.

These are not supporting players, they are already team leaders.

A Rookie Class That Is Already Changing the WNBA

Whether it is Bueckers' star power, Iriafen's dominance inside, or Citron's late-game clutch, the 2025 WNBA rookie class is setting a new standard. These players are not just adjusting to the league, they are elevating it.

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