Kiki Rice Picks Between Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron for WNBA Rookie of the Year

Kiki Rice believes Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers has set herself apart in the WNBA Rookie of the Year race.

“I think Paige will get it, and I think she deserves it,” Rice said in a recent Sports Illustrated interview. “She’s had a great year. Sonia’s been playing really well, too, but Paige—she looks like a five-year vet out there… I catch myself like, wait, she’s a rookie? What’s going on here? She’s so comfortable, and she looks amazing.”

Bueckers has lived up to the expectations that followed her from Connecticut to the WNBA. She has averaged 18.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 32 games, producing on a team that has battled injuries and roster turnover all season. Despite Dallas being limited to eight available players in Friday’s 100-78 loss at Atlanta, she finished with 16 points and 10 assists for her second career points-assists double-double.

Her consistency has also pushed her near a franchise milestone. With 606 total points, she is just 25 away from breaking Arike Ogunbowale’s rookie scoring record of 630, set in 2019. Bueckers has scored in double figures in 31 of her 32 games and topped 20 points 15 times, which ranks as the seventh-most 20-point games ever by a rookie.

Read more: Paige Bueckers Channels Stephen Curry With Inspiring Message to Dallas Wings Fans

The Wings visit Minnesota on Monday to close their four-game season series with the Lynx. Bueckers had her first career double-double in the team’s previous matchup at Target Center, posting 12 points and 10 assists in her home state.

The Rookie of the Year field is crowded with candidates who have delivered productive seasons. Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron has averaged 15.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 40 games while giving her team steady scoring and defensive presence.

Mystics center Kiki Iriafen has provided 12.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 40 games as one of the most reliable rebounders among first-year players.

Read more: Sue Bird Reveals Her 2025 WNBA MVP Choice Without Hesitation

Seattle Storm center Dominique Malonga has averaged 7.6 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 39 games. She has taken a noticeable step forward late in the season, averaging 13.0 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over her last 13 contests. The surge has shown promise, but won’t shift the Rookie of the Year race. It could, however, help her land on the All-WNBA Rookie First Team alongside Bueckers, Citron, and Iriafen.

Rice’s view reflects a broader sentiment across the league: Bueckers already carries herself like a veteran. With consistent scoring, playmaking, and command of the game, she has emerged as the frontrunner in a rookie class that has delivered multiple franchise cornerstones.

Make sure to follow Newsweek Sports for all Dallas Wings, Seattle Storm, Washington Mystics, and WNBA news and updates.