ESPN released its Top 50 players in the WNBA ahead of the 2026 regular season.
Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, came in quite high in the rankings. The WNBA All-Star averaged 20 points, 3 assists and 2 rebounds per game during her rookie season.
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Now, Bueckers is a top 10 player in the league – according to ESPN.
“One of the faces of the WNBA almost immediately after being drafted by the Wings with the top pick in 2025, Bueckers lived up to all expectations as the only player in the league to rank in the top 10 in points, assists and steals. After posting the third-most points and assists for a rookie in league history, Bueckers was a second-team all-WNBA selection and a near-unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year. Her ability to become a top-five player will determine how she can elevate a Dallas team that won only one more game last season than it did in 2024 despite Bueckers’ brilliant first year,” ESPN wrote.
Bueckers officially came in at No. 8 overall.
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Bueckers came in at No. 8 overall, ahead of Caitlin Clark, who came in at No. 10 overall.
WNBA fans are fiercely debating her ranking.
Is Bueckers ranked too high?
“I like Paige as much as I like CC but I feel like putting her at 8 is kinda wild. She should be lower – give her another year to prove she’s top 10,” one fan wrote.
“Paige and Clark both are potential top 10 but right now there are players listed below them who have absolutely delivered more/been more crucial for their teams hard earned success. I also personally think Jonquel Jones should be higher,” one fan added.
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“Chealsey Gray at 17 and Courtney Williams at 25 is not a serious list. Paige, Sabrina, and Clark in top 10 is shameful,” another added.
“I love paige She hasn’t done it long enough. 5 years of service or more. To be top 20. Having 1 or 2 good years isn’t enough. Necka has been doing this forever and she’s consistent. The point gawd is what these pgs want to be and she late teens. This isn’t a popularity contest,” one fan added.
Is Paige ranked too high on ESPN’s list for 2026?
This story was originally published by The Spun on May 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
