The WNBA season is in full swing now, and the rookies seem to be making headlines constantly. That includes Dallas Wings star Paige Bueckers, who endured a tough start to her professional career in the first few games.
Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron have been among the standout performers who have been balling out for the Washington Mystics so far. In addition, Janelle Salaün and Kitija Laksa make up the top five best rookies for this season so far.
Bueckers has been having a rollercoaster of a season so far, which has affected her place on the latest rookie report.
Paige Bueckers Falls While Kiki Iriafen, Sonia Citron Move Up
In PFSN’s latest WNBA rookie report, Bueckers suffered a significant fall to third place after a tough month. She started the season with a 10-point game against the defending champs, the Minnesota Lynx, which drew heavy backlash from fans.
After a 19-point performance against the Seattle Storm, Bueckers registered her first-ever double-double against the Lynx with 12 points and 10 assists. Her shooting struggles didn’t end there when she shot 4-of-15 from the field against the Atlanta Dream in the next game.
The UConn legend’s best display came against the Connecticut Sun, after a 21-point game helped her enter the WNBA history books as well. That was the only game where the Wings took the win, as they lost the following game against Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky. She is recovering from an injury, but she is 1-5 to start her career.
🏀 @Kia Rookie of the Month 🏀
Kiki Iriafen averaged 13.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, and 1.0 APG to earn May rookie of the month honors for the Washington Mystics!#KiaROTM | #WelcometotheW pic.twitter.com/L8OBbYB7XX
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 4, 2025
Bueckers’ disappointing month has been a blessing in disguise for the Mystics duo, Iriafen and Citron. The former USC star won the WNBA Rookie of the Month award for May, beating her own teammate after averaging 14.6 points and 10 rebounds.
Iriafen has broken several records so far this season and has even joined WNBA legend Candace Parker’s exclusive club. She ranks second on the team in scoring and leads in rebounds right now.
Citron, on the other hand, has also been sensational for the Mystics so far. She currently sits among the top 15 guards in scoring throughout the league. On her team, she ranks third in points per game.
She has formed a decent partnership with Iriafen, who complements her 3-point shooting ability. Iriafen has not made much impact from beyond the line, and Citron has filled in that spot as the Mystics’ primary 3-point shooter. Her 39.4% average from the 3-point line speaks at length about her ability as a promising shooter.
Citron has earned some major praise from the New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu as well. The fact that she has caught a superstar’s eyes displays the potential that Citron has displayed so far, and it seems to be only the start for her and Iriafen as well.
