The 2025 WNBA Rookie class featured top-end talent like Paige Bueckers, Sonia Citron, Kiki Iriafen, Hailey Van Lith, and more. This class was also deep and full of skilled WNBA-caliber players. We will discuss the ten best rookies thus far in this WNBA season.
10) Carla Leite, G, Golden State Valkyries (2-2)
8.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.0 bpg
37.0% FG, 23.1% 3PT, 80.0% FT
The Golden State Valkyries have been experimenting with lineups and giving players chances, as they know this year is about establishing themselves in the WNBA. Carla Leite has taken advantage. She ranks in the top six in points among all rookies and has carved out a role early this season for the Valkyries.
9) Kitija Laksa, G, Phoenix Mercury (4-1)
8.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.0 bpg
46.2% FG, 42.1% 3PT, 60.0% FT
Kitija Laksa has shot the lights out for the Mercury this season. For any rookie playing over 15 minutes a game, Laska ranks 5th in three-point percentage at 42.1%. She is also in the top 5 in three-point makes per game with 2. She was drafted in 2020 but is now carving a spot for herself in the WNBA and making the most of her opportunity.
8) Saniya Rivers, G, Connecticut Sun (0-5)
8.0 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.3 spg, 0.8 bpg
37.5% FG, 20.0% 3PT, 100.0% FT
Saniya Rivers entered the draft as one of the most athletic players, and in her limited time in the league, she is showcasing her talents. Rivers is among the top three rookies in steals per game, and she has been able to help the Sun get out in transition and play with pace. As she acclimates herself in the WNBA, she will significantly impact the Sun’s defense.
7) Kathryn Westbeld, F, Phoenix Mercury (4-1)
7.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.2 spg, 1.2 bpg
39.4% FG, 38.5% 3PT, 50.0% FT
Kathryn Westbeld is one of two Westbeld rookies in the league this year. Her younger sister is currently playing for the Chicago Sky. Kathryn Westbeld has been one of Mercury’s most surprising rookies this year. She leads all rookies in blocks per game and is in the top five in steals.
6) Lexi Held, G, Phoenix Mercury (4-1)
7.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 2.2 spg, 0.6 bpg
43.3% FG, 43.8% 3PT, 50.0% FT
Lexi Held is an undrafted player who played at DePaul in 2022. She is now playing 17 minutes a game for the Phoenix Mercury and shooting over 43% from behind the arc. She is also leading all rookies in steals per game at 2.2. Held has added some shooting prowess and defensive energy to a Mercury team that made major roster changes this offseason.
5) Monique Akoa Makani, G, Phoenix Mercury (4-1)
10.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.2 bpg
50.0% FG, 52.2% 3PT, 100.0% FT
Monique Akoa Makani is one of the four rookies on the Mercury team who make this list. Phoenix has found lightning in these rookies, and Akoa Makani has been the most impressive. She is shooting 52% from the three-point line, the second highest in the WNBA for anyone to take more than four threes a game.
4) Janelle Salaün, F, Golden State Valkyries (2-2)
12.3 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.3 bpg
35.3% FG, 47.1% 3PT, 100.0% FT
Janelle Salaün is an undrafted rookie from France who has immediately impacted this roster. In the three games she has played, she has averaged the fourth-most points and made the most threes per game among rookies. Salaün plays an under-control style and is a highly confident shooter. The Golden State Valkyries are building a nice group of overseas talent, starting with Salaün.
3) Kiki Iriafen, F, Washington Mystics (2-3)
13.8 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 0.8 apg, 0.0 spg, 0.2 bpg
51.0% FG, 79.2% FT
Kiki Iriafen has arguably been the best rookie playing thus far. She has put up a double-double in four straight games and is the second-leading rebounder in the WNBA. Many thought Iriafen could make an impact in the WNBA, but she would need to develop her game a bit. However, she has come right out of the game and shown she is a force in the league.
2) Paige Bueckers, G, Dallas Wings (1-4)
14.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 6.4 apg, 1.8 spg, 0.6 bpg
41.7% FG, 30.8% 3PT, 79.2% FT
Paige Bueckers was one of the best prospects to ever come into the WNBA, and throughout her first five games, she has not disappointed. Buckers’ efficiency has not been there yet, but she has been the best player for the Dallas Wings this season and is still averaging the second-most points, the second-most assists, and the top-three in rebounds amongst rookies.
1) Sonia Citron, G, Washington Mystics (2-3)
15.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 0.8 spg, 0.4 bpg
53.2% FG, 47.6% 3PT, 89.5% FT
The Washington Mystics’ number three overall pick in this year’s draft showcases why I predicted she would be selected as the number two pick. One of their future cornerstones is playing at arguably the highest level. She is averaging the most points of all rookies and doing it at about a 50%, 40%, or 90% clip. Citron has a chance to be one of the best WNBA players.
