Halfway through her rookie campaign in the WNBA, Paige Bueckers has already made a significant impact with the Dallas Wings. Despite her confident on-court presence, the former UConn star received a lighthearted warning from veteran teammate Napheesa Collier about her playful use of social media tags.
Following her All-Star debut in Indianapolis this past weekend, Bueckers shared several photos on Instagram, including one where she was guarded by Kelsey Plum during practice. In a teasing manner, she tagged Plum with “too little,” sparking a response from Collier.
“Ight chill out with them tags now young blood,” Collier commented.
This interaction revealed Collier’s willingness to mentor Bueckers, whom she affectionately referred to as her “baby Husky” during the All-Star draft earlier this month. Despite the teasing, the camaraderie between the veterans and rookie remains strong.
Friendly Banter Between Bueckers and Kelsey Plum Ahead of Upcoming Game
Kelsey Plum, playing on a one-year contract with the LA Sparks, responded in good spirits to Bueckers’ tag with her own playful comment.
“Lockeddddd,” Plum wrote.
Though their Instagram exchanges are lighthearted, both players will shift focus to their upcoming matchup scheduled for August 15, when the Wings host the Sparks.
Collier Highlights Bueckers’ Early Talent and Offers Support
While Bueckers and Collier never shared the court at UConn, they collaborated at the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games in Qatar. During All-Star weekend, Collier spoke of Bueckers’ exceptional abilities and early promise.
“I played with her when she was in high school, three-on-three for USA,” Collier said of Bueckers. “She was the only high schooler we had…she has been a talent from the very beginning.”
Collier expressed her commitment to supporting Bueckers as she navigates the intense transition of being a WNBA rookie, recognizing the challenges that come with the rapid pace of professional basketball life.
Impact of Veteran Guidance on Rookie Development in the WNBA
The mentorship from established players like Collier is crucial for rookies such as Paige Bueckers, as it helps them manage both on-court expectations and off-court pressures like social media presence. This dynamic strengthens team bonds and fosters personal growth as Bueckers continues to develop her career in the league.
With the WNBA season ongoing, the advice from Collier is likely to influence how Bueckers balances her rising stardom with maintaining a grounded approach to her public interactions.