6 hours Ago By Jorge Ávila Andrade
, the ' No. 1 pick in the , is under a microscope as she steps into the pros. NBA legend , a three-time champion, recently weighed in on the intense expectations surrounding the former UConn star, dropping a truth bomb about her high-stakes role.
" ," Wade said on his PlayersTV platform, highlighting the unique pressure Bueckers faces in Dallas. Bueckers' college career was legendary- , a , and 21.9 points per game last season, per ESPN.
Selected first overall on April 14, 2025, at The Shed at Hudson Yards, she's already driving an , per SeatGeek. Yet, Wade, who knows a thing or two about leading a franchise, warned that her transition won't be easy. " ," he noted, referencing Dallas' loss of Luka Doncic.
The Wings, coming off a 9-31 season, are banking on Bueckers to . National analyst Rachel DeMita projected a starting lineup featuring Bueckers at point guard, but cautioned, " ". Bueckers' 89% free-throw shooting and playmaking are assets, but her injury history-a 2021 meniscus tear and 2022 ACL tear-looms large, though GMs downplay concerns, per ESPN.
Is Paige Bueckers ready for Dallas' spotlight? Wade's comments come as Bueckers navigates sky-high expectations. Her $78,831 rookie salary, a stark contrast to NBA No. 1 picks' $13.
8 million, , per CBC News. Yet, her off-court appeal-third in jersey sales behind and -positions her as a commercial force. " ," a WNBA GM told ESPN, but Wade emphasized mental toughness.
" ," he said. Bueckers, , faces comparisons to Clark's seismic WNBA impact. With the Wings' season opener against the looming, the "Paige Effect" is real-ticket prices are up 50% league-wide.
As she steps into Dallas' bright lights, Wade's words ring true: it's about more than hoops-it's about rising to a city's dreams..
