Former NFL wide receiver Harry Douglas asserted that Dallas Wings player Paige Bueckers has become “everything we expected Caitlin Clark to be” in the WNBA. Douglas made his comments during an appearance on ESPN Radio, highlighting Bueckers' significant impact on her team's performance.
Douglas pointed to the Dallas Wings' transformation from having the WNBA's worst record in the previous season to achieving the fourth-best record this season after drafting Bueckers with the number one pick in 2025. He noted the connection between Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Azzi Fudd, and other teammates, attributing the team's improved play and confidence to Bueckers' presence.
Bueckers, who is 24, has already earned Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the All-WNBA second team in her previous season. This season, she is averaging 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists over 21 games played. Her contributions have been central to the Wings' success, though Douglas suggested her leadership has been less publicized than Clark's.
Caitlin Clark has continued to be a focal point of attention, recently involved in an incident during a game against the Phoenix Mercury where she was struck in the neck and had an opponent step over her. The play, which resulted in no call from the referees, drew criticism from Fever head coach Stephanie White, who deemed it "egregious" and "absolutely unacceptable." The incident sparked a broader discussion about how Clark is being treated in the league, with public figures weighing in on the debate.