Rookie Report: Week 1

For months on end, talking heads far and wide debated whether the 2025 WNBA Draft class would compare to the star-studded field from last year, featuring All-Stars Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. What was lost in the process is just how impactful this crop of talent could be at the next level. In the words of former President Theodore Roosevelt, comparison is the thief of joy.

With that said, let’s get into it:

GP: 5 - 15.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG

57.7% on 2s, 47.6 on 3s, 70 TS% 89.5% FT

The Chicago Sky, sitting at 0-5 amid the worst start in franchise history, would surely love to have the services of Washington Mystics rookie Sonia Citron right now for the next decade-plus.

Through her first five games, the Notre Dame product leads her class in points per game, points scored (77), is second in field-goal percentage, second in three-point percentage, and first in free-throw percentage amongst those taking at least two shots per game.

Citron is having no issue adjusting in the WNBA. If anything, she’s taking advantage of early-season games where defenses haven’t scouted her game in particular. That time will come, but she’s already willing to take advantage of the attention she garners and create for others. She doesn't need to be on the ball to be successful, quickly becoming a favorite with veterans like Mystics All-Star Brittney Sykes for her dedication to her craft in being productive off of it.

At Notre Dame, Citron showed consistent flashes of being a reliable defender, translating in ways that don’t show on a box score. She’s quick to roll her sleeves up to disrupt passing lanes and has proven to be rather fluid in help with her size.

Week 2 matchups: 5/28 vs IND, 5/30 vs NYL

GP: 5 - 13.8 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.8 APG

51% on 2s, 79.2 FT%

Only a fraction of the season has been played, but Washington has the two clear favorites for Rookie of the Year at this moment.

Like her fellow rookie teammate in Citron, Mystics rookie forward Kiki Iriafen has proven to be an impact player as soon as she touched a WNBA court. The former USC Trojans All-American is only the second player in league history to have four double-doubles in her first five career games since Natalie Williams in 1999.

One of the biggest concerns for Iriafen entering the WNBA was expanding her range enough to space the floor at a consistent rate. She hasn’t attempted a three-pointer yet, but she is shooting 81 percent at the rim and a comfortable 46.2 percent on midrange attempts. The three-ball will come, but she’s consistent in producing in other ways.

She has no issue asserting her will in the paint, leading her class in free throw attempts (4.8) and offensive rebounds (3.0), then using them to lead in second chance points (3.2). From the onset, Iriafen does what her team needs of her, and it’s translating to wins, dynamic play, and valuable experience early in her career.

Week 2 matchups: 5/28 vs IND, 5/30 vs NYL

GP: 4 - 13 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 6.3 APG

34.2% on 2s, 33 on 3s, 77.8% FT

As one of three teams remaining that have yet to claim a win, the Dallas Wings (0-4) is enduring its worst start to a season since 2019. There haven’t been many bright spots, but rookie guard Paige Bueckers has been at the center of most of them.

To the surprise of no one, Bueckers leads the Wings and all rookies in assists per game (6.3). What also isn’t a shock is the dip in her efficiency, considering Dallas is returning just three players from last season in a massive overhaul of personnel.

However, the talent is the talent. Glimpses into her bright future in this league were apparent, especially in a showing against the upstart Seattle Storm, finishing with 19 points, eight assists, and three stocks. In a loss to the Minnesota Lynx, Bueckers had 12 points, 10 assists, and three stocks.

Bueckers is going to be one of the best guards in the league in time. What won’t help her get there on time is deploying her as a point guard predominantly. It’s early in the season, but the Wings haven’t taken advantage of her off-ball strengths. Bueckers thrives when moving behind the scenes, giving way to easy scores for herself and teammates. Minor adjustments will allow for a more free-flowing offense, easing the workload for everyone involved.

Week 2 matchups: 5/27 @ CON, 5/29 @ CHI, 5/31 vs CHI

GP: 3 - 10.3 PPG, 2.3 APG

66.7% on 2s, 27.3% on 3s, 76.9% FT

In the expansion draft, the Golden State Valkyries selected French sensation Carla Leite with its fourth pick. It was a surprise to many, revealing her unprotected status with the Dallas Wings.

Drafted last season with the No. 9 overall, Leite opted to stay overseas for another season. Her decision proved right as she led Villeneuve d’Ascq to a EuroCup championship, ultimately winning MVP after averaging 20.5 points and 6.0 assists.

Leite is strong with either hand on the ball and uses her size effectively when finishing at the rim. Her vision is beyond her years, and her innate ability to make a play takes center stage regularly.

After a rough showing in the season-opening loss to the Los Angeles Sparks, Leite rebounded nicely with 10 points, three assists, and no turnovers, helping Golden State nail its first win in franchise history. With two games under her belt, the 5'9" guard looked at home with the Valkyries, leading the team with 19 points on an 80.8 percent true shooting clip. She also had three assists and a steal.

5/27 @ NYL, 5/29 @ NYL, 6/1 vs MIN

GP: 4 - 10 PPG, 1.5 RPG, 2 APG

50% on 2s, 50% on 3s, 100% FT (3-3)

After losing Kahleah Copper and Natasha Mack to start the 2025 season, rookie Monique Akoa Makani has held the lead guard spot. As an undrafted free agent who was one of the last few players to make the final roster, Akoa Makani hasn’t wasted her opportunity.

Starting her career on the opposite end of All-WNBA guards Kelsey Plum and Skylar Diggins twice was no short order, yet the Cameroon native held her own in more ways than one. At a lengthy 5’11’’, every basket was earned and not allowed. Her energy when picking them up full court was undeniable, and she fought over every screen she could.

Akoa Makani’s first step is as thunderous as it is efficient, getting her to the rim at will. She doesn’t allow defenders to rush her process and rarely makes mistakes on the ball. As proficient as she is near the rim, she’s proved to be one of the best shooters in her class.

“I think teams have decided in their minds that she’s a non-shooter,” said Mercury coach Nate Tibbetts. “I’m going to encourage her to shoot. I believe in her shot.”

On 4.5 attempts per game from three at 50 percent, Akoa Makani leads all rookies in three-point percentage. Three-and-a-half of them come from above the break, shooting 61.5 percent.

5/27 vs CHI, 5/30 vs MIN, 6/1 @ LAS

Saniya Rivers - G, Connecticut Sun - 8 PPG, 4 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.7 SPG, 1 BPG

Kathryn Westbeld - F, Phoenix Mercury - 6 PPG, 4 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 38.9% 3PT (4.5 att.)

Lexi Held - G, Phoenix Mercury - 6 PPG, 2 SPG, 36.4% 3PT (2.8 att.)