5 2025 WNBA rookies who should make an immediate impact, including Paige Bueckers

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5 2025 WNBA rookies who should make an immediate impact, including Paige Bueckers

Cory Woodroof, For The Win · FTW Outdoors

Wed, May 14, 2025 ·

2 min read

G Paige Bueckers ( Dallas Wings )

SOUTH BEND, INDIANA - MAY 02: Paige Bueckers #5 of the Dallas Wings looks on against the Las Vegas Aces during the preseason game at Purcell Pavilion on May 02, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

Bueckers is an easy choice for this list. Her incredible career at UConn should translate immediately to the WNBA, and we expect her to make a real impact on the Wings in her first game.

C Dominique Malonga ( Seattle Storm )

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Dominique Malonga poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number two overall pick to the Seattle Storm in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Only 19, Malonga will need time to get adjusted to the speed of the WNBA. However, she should help the Storm in the paint as soon as she hits the court. We have a feeling Seattle will try to get Malonga involved as much as possible on defense and under the basket. By season's end, we have a feeling she'll be a star.

G Sonia Citron ( Washington Mystics )

Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Sonia Citron poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number three overall pick to the Washington Mystics in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

The Mystics are in rebuilding mode, which could open a spot for Citron in the starting lineup sooner than later. Washington will undoubtedly want its third overall pick to play as soon as possible, and we think she'll be an integral part of the Mystics' lineup by the end of her rookie season.

F Kiki Iriafen (Washington Mystics)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (R-L) Kiki Iriafen poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the fourth overall pick by the Washington Mystics during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

Ditto for Iriafen. We expect the fourth overall selection to get on the court early in her career and help Washington with its rebuilding efforts. The Mystics will need Citron and Iriafen to make an impact as soon as they can to help Washington get as many wins as possible during this transitional season in D.C.

F Aneesah Morrow ( Connecticut Sun )

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 14: (L-R) Aneesah Morrow poses for a photo with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the seventh overall pick by the Connecticut Sun during the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 14, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776296673 ORIG FILE ID: 2210302484

Another team squarely in rebuilding territory is the Sun, who should get Morrow on the court plenty for her rookie season. After playing for LSU, perhaps Morrow will follow in Reese's footsteps and represent her alma mater by making immediate plays in the WNBA. She should be an important player for the Sun right away.