Why GMs choose Paige Bueckers over A’ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark to start a team

Three names dominate WNBA conversations right now. Paige Bueckers made an immediate impact as a rookie, becoming the only player to rank in the top 10 in points, assists and steals. A'ja Wilson just completed a historic season, becoming the first player ever to win a championship, Finals MVP, league MVP and Defensive Player of the Year in the same year. Caitlin Clark continues to showcase elite playmaking and shooting despite dealing with injuries last season.

All three are exceptional teammates and proven leaders. Bueckers brings scoring, facilitating, and defense while actively giving back through her foundation. Wilson delivers consistency and clutch performances on both ends of the floor. Clark's work ethic and offensive creativity make her one of the most exciting players in the league. Each player represents the best of professional women's basketball.

The WNBA released its annual general manager survey on May 5, two days before the 2026 season opener. Among the 42 questions, one answer stood out above the rest. Paige Bueckers received 33% of the vote as the player GMs would sign first to start a franchise today.

That result puts Bueckers ahead of two of the biggest names in the sport. A'ja Wilson and Caitlin Clark each drew 20% of the vote and tied for second place. The gap between first and second is wider than it looks.

Wilson won her record fourth MVP in 2025. She averaged 23.4 points and 10.2 rebounds across 40 games. At 29, she is the best player in the league right now. Sixty percent of GMs picked her to win MVP again in 2026.

But the survey question asked something different. GMs had to think about long-term value, not just current dominance. Wilson is in her prime, yet age and mileage matter when building a ten-year foundation.

Clark won this same survey category last year with 50% of the vote. Her 2024 rookie season broke television records and filled arenas across the country. Then came 2025.

Injuries limited Clark to just 13 games. She averaged 16.5 points and 5.0 assists in those appearances. A right groin strain and a left ankle bone bruise ended her season in September.

Player fitness supposedly the reason behind Paige Bueckers’ choice

Health became the factor that shifted the vote. GMs cannot build around a player who sits on the bench.

Bueckers played all 36 games for Dallas in her rookie season. She posted 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. She won Rookie of the Year and earned All-WNBA honors. Her 44-point performance set a single-game scoring record for rookies.

At 22, Bueckers offers something rare. She combines youth, availability, and production at a level no other player matched this past season. Dallas also added Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick in the 2026 draft, which gives Bueckers another young scorer beside her.

The vote was never about who sells the most tickets or draws the highest ratings. It was about who gives a new franchise the best chance to win over the next decade.

That answer is Paige Bueckers, at least for now.

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