Draymond Green recently sparked a discussion among basketball fans after suggesting the WNBA may be shifting its focus from Caitlin Clark to Paige Bueckers. The Golden State Warriors forward shared an Instagram post from ESPNW that celebrated the WNBA breaking its all-time attendance record this season, showcasing an image of Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers. This prompted Green to ask whether Bueckers is becoming the league’s new star figure.
Green wrote,
“So I just came across this post on ESPNW IG… and I found the picture interesting. Is there a shift happening? They spoke of all-time attendance and showed Paige, who plays for Dallas but doesn’t have top 3 in attendance. Is Paige [Bueckers] quickly becoming the face of The W?”
—Draymond Green, NBA Player
Green Engages Fans in Heated Discussion Over WNBA Attendance and Star Power
The exchange continued on Threads as Green responded to fans who pointed out inaccuracies and raised counterpoints. He mocked a user who doubted the attendance figures, replying sharply, “Reading is fundamental.” The fan had incorrectly claimed no WNBA game had reached an attendance of 2.5 million, which Green challenged.
Another fan argued that Bueckers deserved the spotlight on the graphic because she recently scored 44 points in a game. Green pushed back, emphasizing the graphic referenced total league attendance rather than individual performance.
He stated,
“Very true, but the post is about the Total attendance. That’s a LEAGUE thing, 44pts in a regular season game that you take an L doesn’t get you that photo.”
—Draymond Green, NBA Player
During the discussion, a fan brought up Green’s past training altercation with Jordan Poole, criticizing his attitude and actions. Green dismissed the comment with,
“Shut up… what you so miserable about?”
Impact of Caitlin Clark’s Injury on WNBA’s Star Landscape
Caitlin Clark, one of the WNBA’s top talents, has appeared in only 13 games this season due to multiple injuries, which initially caused a dip in league ratings and ticket sales. Despite these setbacks, the WNBA managed to break its all-time attendance record for the season, illustrating growth beyond individual players.
Paige Bueckers played a significant role in this success, as she has garnered substantial attention for the Dallas Wings with impressive performances comparable to Clark’s rookie season statistics. Bueckers has benefited from the absence of the Fever star, positioning herself as a central figure on the court and in fan discussions.
Emerging Rivalry for the WNBA’s Future Spotlight
The debate ignited by Draymond Green reflects a wider conversation regarding the league’s rising faces. Both Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are immensely marketable and have captivated fans in different ways. The ongoing question remains which player will ultimately define the WNBA’s future image.
If both athletes remain healthy and productive in the coming seasons, basketball enthusiasts will gain clearer insight into which star the league and fans embrace as its emblematic figure.