When it comes to the future of women’s basketball, Paige Bueckers is often mentioned as the next big thing. The UConn star is set to make her mark on the WNBA, having announced her intention to enter the draft once her season wraps up. While many expect Bueckers to be the top pick in next year’s draft, Sue Bird has shared some insights on where she might land for her rookie season.

The former Seattle Storm star, never one to shy away from sharing her views on the league, recently offered her insights on Paige Bueckers’ future while analyzing the playoff landscape. “

Atlanta, I think, is in a position where, I don’t want to say, needs to get in the playoffs, but they’re not a team trying to be in the lottery. But then you add on the fact that DC [Washington Mystics] and LA [Los Angeles Sparks], even though they’ve won a couple of games recently like I said this about DC, they want to be in the lottery. It’s the Paige Bueckers’ sweepstakes. I think there’s nothing wrong with that,” stated Bird via A Touch More.

If Paige Bueckers does end up with the Mystics, it would mark their second consecutive year signing a UConn standout. In the 2024 WNBA Draft, the Mystics selected Aaliyah Edwards as the sixth overall pick. If Bird’s prediction pans out, Bueckers and Edwards, who played together at UConn, could reunite on the court in the WNBA and enhance Mystics performance.

The Mystics are currently sitting in the tenth spot and are still in the hunt for a playoff berth, despite their 23 losses this season. If they fail to secure one, they may potentially face the Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and LA Sparks in the lottery. The latter of the lot, as Bird says, is looking to be there after going 7-25, seven more games on the schedule. That’s the second consecutive year they will quite possibly go without a postseason.

So if Mystics face a contender in securing Paige Bueckers, it is them. And whatever steps they may take towards it, Bird believes it to be a ‘smart play’.

Building the foundation, explains Sue Bird

The former WNBA legend emphasizes that teams aren’t just playing to win, but they’re also focused on building a strong foundation even if it means starting with a young team and losing a few games. “You play to win the games, you play to set foundation and culture. And when you have a young team, sometimes that means you’re not going to win games. ‘And oh, by the way, I can get the number one pick and get Paige’… I don’t think it’s tanking, I think it’s just smart play.” 

Paige Bueckers has been on the radar as a top prospect since her high school days, continuing a storied legacy from Geno Auriemma’s UConn program. She follows in the footsteps of basketball greats like Breanna Stewart, Diana Taurasi, and Napheesa Collier.

In her latest season at UConn, Bueckers delivered impressive stats with an average of 21.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, guiding the Huskies to a Final Four appearance.

The Mystics have won 29 games in the last two seasons and Sparks, 25 so far. If they look to get back on track, Bueckers might be a much-needed addition. Seven more games to go and a few losses, the teams wouldn’t mind to get their hands on the no.1 pick. Whose struggles will be worth it?

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.