Less than a month into the WNBA season, the league has delivered non-stop excitement. The game continues to grow, and this year’s rookie class features some of the most talked-about names in the sport. These players aren’t just headline-makers—they’re performing at an exceptionally high level.
While many rookies have impressed, five stand out for this edition of the WNBA Rookie Report.
5) Janelle Salaün
Though French rookie Janelle Salaün hasn’t been the most efficient shooter, she’s made a strong impact for the Golden State Valkyries. Salaün has averaged 11.5 points per game over the last week, although she’s shooting just 31.0% from the field and 26.7% from beyond the arc.
This past week, she led all rookies in both three-pointers made and rebounds per game. Despite the Valkyries going 0-3 this week, Salaün’s performance has been a crucial part of the team’s growth and development.
5/29-6/04 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.5 spg, 0.0 bpg
4) Kitija Laska
With injuries piling up, the Phoenix Mercury have leaned heavily on their rookies—and this week, Kitija Laksa stepped up in a big way. The 29-year-old rookie delivered with veteran-like poise, shooting 44.4% from the field and 36.4% from three this week.
As one of the oldest rookies in the league, Laksa’s experience has translated into confident, efficient play. With stars Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper sidelined, Laksa’s performance this week helped keep the Mercury competitive.
5/29-6/04 Stats: 9.0 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.3 bpg
3) Paige Bueckers
Paige Bueckers has been sidelined with a concussion since May 29, but before the injury, she was playing some of the best basketball of her young WNBA career. In the week leading up to her absence—highlighted by a standout performance against the Chicago Sky—the former UConn star scored 15 points, the second-highest average of the week.
She also led all rookies in assists (8.0), steals (3.0), and blocks (2.0) per game during that stretch. The Dallas Wings have clearly felt her absence, as Bueckers has already emerged as arguably the team’s most impactful player this season.
5/29-6/04 Stats: 15.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 8.0 apg, 3.0 spg, 3.0 bpg
2) Sonia Citron
Sonia Citron is quickly becoming a regular on this list—and for good reason. One of the most talented players in this year’s draft class, she’s already making a major impact in the WNBA. Over the past week, Citron ranked in the top three among rookies in both scoring and rebounding.
She currently sits among the top 15 guards in league scoring and ranks third on her team in points per game. Since her debut, the former Notre Dame standout has delivered consistent, high-level play—and this week was no exception.
5/29-6/04 Stats: 11.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 0.5 apg, 0.0 spg, 1.0 bpg
1) Kiki Iriafen
Rookie of the Week honors go to Washington Mystics’ fourth overall pick, Kiki Iriafen. She also won the WNBA’s official Rookie of the Week award. The dynamic forward averaged 16 points per game in just 25 minutes of action—a testament to her efficiency and impact. Despite sharing the frontcourt with Aaliyah Edwards, Stefanie Dolson, and Shakira Austin, Iriafen has emerged as the most impressive of the group.
She currently ranks second on the team in scoring and leads in rebounds. Iriafen has turned preseason questions into on-court strengths, quickly proving she belongs among the league’s rising stars.
5/29-6/04 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.0 bpg
As the season unfolds, this rookie class is proving it’s not just the future of the WNBA—it’s already shaping the present. Expect their stars to keep rising.
