Paige Bueckers is one of the WNBA’s best and most popular players. Unsurprisingly, the 2025 Rookie of the Year’s choices for the league’s ultimate top five players among current stars would get the spotlight.
During the WNBA All-Star Weekend, Sports Illustrated put Bueckers on the hot seat by asking her to name her best quintet. The Dallas Wings combo guard knew she was walking into dangerous territory but gamely responded.
Paige Bueckers Makes Tough WNBA Starting 5 Picks; Here’s Whether Caitlin Clark Made the Cut
Bueckers has played with and against the top women’s basketball players since she was in college. Now that she is thriving in the WNBA, she has an even better perspective on the sport’s premier players.
Over the weekend, Bueckers couldn’t escape the inevitable when Sports Illustrated pressured her to list what she considers the WNBA’s best starting five.
“You’re trying to get me in trouble! I can see this, but I’m gonna say I have respect and love for everybody. One, two, and three, I got [Napheesa Collier] at the three, [Breanna Stewart] at the four, A’ja [Wilson] at five. I’mma go Olivia Miles at the one, and CC at two,” Bueckers said.
.@paigebueckers1 drafts her ultimate All-Star starting five from current WNBA players 👀⭐ pic.twitter.com/iU64YdN9H5
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) July 28, 2026
Collier, Stewart, and Wilson were no-brainers since they are the usual names on MVP ballots. The Minnesota Lynx forward hasn’t won the award yet, but she is a perennial top contender. Stewart is a two-time MVP, while Wilson is a four-time and defending MVP. The Las Vegas Aces superstar is also a three-time and reigning Defensive Player of the Year.
Miles might be the surprise on the list as she hasn’t won anything yet despite being arguably this year’s best rookie. Bueckers took some time thinking about who will play point guard before going with Collier’s Lynx teammate.
Bueckers included Clark after going through her options. Although considered rivals since college, the Wings standout gave the Indiana Fever superstar her flowers.
Clark’s inclusion in Bueckers’ top five best players list adds another layer to the narratives surrounding the three-time All-Star. This year, the Fever franchise cornerstone ranked No. 2 and No. 3 in fan and media All-Star voting, respectively, but controversially ranked No. 11 in player voting.
Bueckers’ choice will not go unnoticed by fellow players, fans, and the media.
Clark, who was ultimately named a starter in the All-Star Game, had a chance to win MVP of the event before the honor went to Team Spoon teammate Jonquel Jones.
