Paige vs Caitlin
I’m going to say the quiet part out loud: Paige is better than Caitlin.
Everyone wants to compare Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, but that comparison is unfair. They play two different positions. Caitlin has an incredible ability to shoot from distance, but doesn’t possess the physicality or size of Angel.
The real comparison is between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark.
Paige vs Caitlin
Caitlin Clark’s impact on the WNBA, Women's Sports, and basketball is undeniable. From her long-range shots, her constant media attention, and her antics on the court.
At this moment in her WNBA career, Paige is having a better season than Caitlin did her rookie year.
The 2024 WNBA season was a great one for the sport. Increased viewership, attendance, and revenue. It also included the Olympics, which meant an Olympic Break. The break took place after Caitlin Clark’s first 26 games. Let’s look at her stat line.
6.9 apg
140 TO (5.38 pg)
Two All-Star Teammates
Paige’s numbers
19.5 ppg
5.6 apg
55 TO (2.11 pg)
Zero All-Star Teammates
Caitlin Clark had more than respectable numbers in her first 26 games, but look at Paige. Scoring three more points per game, a 2.5-1 assist to turnover ratio versus Caitlin’s almost 1-1, and Paige has very little help this year.
Look at the Fever’s roster last year.
Aliyah Boston- 2023 Rookie of the Year, All-Star
Kelsey Mitchell-2024 All-Star, Team leading 16.3 ppg
Wing’s Roster
Zero All-Starts
Starter Dijonai Carrington traded
Starter NaLyssa Smith traded
Arike Ogunbowale is injured, having a career-worst season
Caitlin was drafted into the right situation. She had a head coach (Christie Sides) in her second year of coaching, who had the vision to get Caitlin to shoot mid-range shots for when she struggles with her three-point shooting, like this year.
Caitlin had the previous year’s rookie of the year (AB) and a dynamic shooter in Kelsey Mitchell.
Paige has a first-year head coach in Chris Koclanes, who is lost right now. And a subpar roster, thanks to trades and injuries.
Caitlin benefited greatly from the Olympic Break. Having 30 days to rest, recover, and learn was the main reason her numbers jumped at the end of the year.
Paige will finish with better scoring numbers, better shooting percentages, and a better assist-to-turnover ratio this year, even without the benefit of the 30-day break.
Where it Started
Paige having a better year than Caitlin should not be a shock, even though people are not talking about it.
Paige took the hard road to the WNBA. She went to the University of Connecticut to play with the best of the best and dominated. While Caitlin stayed home and played for Iowa.
In her last year of college, Caitlin set every possible scoring record because that was the only way her team was going to win. She averaged 31 ppg, while her closest teammate put up 14 ppg. The only pro on the team besides Caitlin was Kate Martin.
Paige put up 19 ppg on the team that won it all. She is truly the best of the best.
If I could bet it, I would bet that Paige wins an MVP and a championship before Caitlin.
Paige will have a better career and break more records. She will be on the Mount Rushmore of WNBA players, while Caitlin Clark will be talked about but will never be involved in the GOAT conversation.
