Paige Bueckers Ruled Out vs Aces for Rest, Sparking Debate Among WNBA Fans

Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers will miss Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Aces for rest. This decision has generated debate among fans online.

Some fans support the move, arguing that the Wings have been overusing Bueckers by averaging her nearly 35 minutes per game – one of the highest loads in the WNBA – despite her having undergone two knee surgeries and coming straight from a college season. They view resting her as necessary management.

Other fans are critical, finding it unusual for a young rookie to sit out specifically for rest.

Bueckers is dealing with patellar tendonitis, an issue she has managed since high school. After missing a previous game on June 28th, she expressed the difficulty of sitting out, stating her desire to play 40 minutes every game. However, she emphasized the importance of being smart and managing her long-standing knee condition, clarifying it's not strictly "load management" but constant management of the tendonitis, which typically doesn't feel good the day after games.

The Wings rely heavily on Bueckers as both a scorer and floor leader. Facing a compressed schedule, including a back-to-back against the New York Liberty on Monday, and considering lingering injuries across the league, the team appears to be prioritizing Bueckers' long-term health. The decision to rest her signals an understanding that her value to the franchise extends beyond a single regular-season game.