It all began a few years back, casually watching playoff games in groups, fueled by that Kool-Aid enthusiasm typical among basketball fans. Fast forward to late Monday nights, and there I am, diving deep into player statistics and zone analytics. The abundance of engaging stats to sift through is pretty exciting, especially with handy tools that let you see how players stack up against each other across various categories.
Recently, I’ve been really curious about Paige Bueckers and her standing in the Rookie of the Year race. So, I decided to check out her statistics page. What I discovered was pretty remarkable. Not only is she in the conversation, but she might actually be leading it.
Page Bueckers in her first 8 WNBA games:
17.4 ppg
6.1 APG
4.5 RPG
2.3 TO
1.9 STL
46.8% FG
41.7% 3P
Assist/Ratio: 2.72 (95th percentile for the league)
Midrange FGM 99th percentile (22)Statistics from @herhoopstats
In those eight games, despite missing some time due to concussions, Bueckers is averaging 17.4 points. And while that’s impressive, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Her 6.1 assists per game as a rookie are noteworthy, but digging deeper reveals how adept she is.
For context, Bueckers is in the 100th percentile for specific league statistics concerning field goal attempts from the 12-15 feet range. Out of 31 attempts, she’s made 17. And this isn’t just about rookies—it’s impressive for the WNBA as a whole. She also ranks in the 99th percentile for midrange attempts, having taken 49 shots this season and sinking 22 of them.
It’s worth noting that not every player has the green light to take midrange shots because of the inherent difficulty. Taller players tend to play closer to the baskets, where scoring is easier. Still, Bueckers effectively navigates those busy midrange areas, proving her capability against larger, more experienced opponents. This showcases just how talented she is as a young star.
While Rookie of the Year voters may overlook these niche statistics when casting their votes, Bueckers certainly brings a lot to the table. Her assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.72 positions her in the 95th percentile across the league, adding context to her ball-handling and playmaking abilities.
Two other noteworthy names in the Rookie of the Year conversation are Kiki Iliafen and Sonia Citron, currently playing for the Washington Mystics. The Mystics have had a rocky start with just four wins this season. It’s interesting to note that the best rookies often end up on teams that are, well, not winning much, so team success isn’t always a deciding factor in this award. Iliafen is nearly averaging a double-double with 13.8 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, while Citron is contributing 13.4 points.
Bueckers fell off the radar a bit while dealing with a concussion and illness, but she made a strong comeback. She had an impressive 35-point game against the Phoenix Mercury, scoring nearly half her team’s total, even though they lost 93-80.
If you’re a fan of Bueckers and enjoy diving into statistics, following these subtle categories can be really rewarding. She plays well beyond her years, showcasing a versatile game that often leaves a mark across the court, evidenced by those niche stats.
