With the 2025 WNBA draft wrapped up, the conversation has now shifted to which rookie will dominate and emerge as the best in the upcoming season. Of course, the current favorite is Paige Bueckers, who went No. 1 overall to the Dallas Wings.
For some fans, however, the second pick of the draft has a legitimate chance to come out as a better player.
Advertisement
In a video shared by Draft Express on Instagram, Dominique Malonga — the Seattle Storm’s No. 2 pick — was seen practicing her game in New York. The 19-year-old effortlessly made a couple of dunks and proceeded to drain several shots from beyond the arc.
Along with being touted as the female version of Victor Wembanyama, several fans also shared their belief that Malonga could just be the best player in the draft.
View the original article to see embedded media.
“I would not have taken Paige over her,” a fan remarked. Another one chimed in, “Best player in the draft by far!!!!”
A social media user said, “Best player in the draft 5 years from now but the Wings had no choice but to go for Paige.”
Advertisement
“Bro She already better than Paige,” a commenter wrote.
“Hear me out… I know Paige is a star…. But Dom looks like a number 1 pick,” a follower explained.
Dominique Malonga poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Paige Bueckers is the sixth player to be selected as the No. 1 pick after winning a national championship in the same year. She led the Huskies to their first title in nine years and the program’s 12th overall.
Meanwhile, Dominique Malonga has shown her versatility, length and explosiveness at the pro level in France. During the 2024-25 season with French club Lyon ASVEL Feminin, she averaged a double-double of 15.4 points and 10.3 rebounds, all while shooting 53.8 percent from the field.
Advertisement
It remains to be seen which of the two rookies will come out as the better WNBA player. In any case, fans can soon see them in action when the league starts its new season on May 16. The first matchup between Bueckers and Malonga is set for June 3 in Seattle.
Related: Fans Are Praising Paige Bueckers For What She Did During WNBA Draft
