No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Episode: Paige Bueckers vs Caitlin Clark: How Do They Stack Up?
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of No Offseason, hosts Zena Caida, Sabrina Merchant, Sabreena Merchant, and Ben Pickman dive deep into the ongoing debate between WNBA stars Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark. Alongside this primary discussion, they address significant team changes, player injuries, current game highlights, and the broader cultural impact of these rising athletes in women's basketball.
Main Discussion: Paige Bueckers vs. Caitlin Clark
Zena Caida opens the conversation by highlighting the longstanding debate surrounding Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, focusing on their impact on the game, cultural influence, and personal treatment within the league.
-
Comparison of Roles and Fit:
- Ben Pickman discusses the recent departure of Dewana Bonner from the Indiana Fever, emphasizing how her role shifted from a starter to a bench player, which ultimately led to her being waived. He points out, “Player B has the 5.6 turnovers. That's got to be Clark.” (33:20).
-
Statistical Analysis:
- Jessica Hawke presents a side-by-side statistical comparison of both players through their first 12 WNBA games:
- Paige Bueckers (Player A): 17.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds, 45.7% FG
- Caitlin Clark (Player B): 16.8 points, 6.3 assists, 5.6 turnovers, 5.3 rebounds, 37.3% FG
- She remarks, “Their numbers through 12 games are very, very similar.” (33:32)
- Jessica Hawke presents a side-by-side statistical comparison of both players through their first 12 WNBA games:
-
Impact and Visibility:
- Ben Pickman notes, “Caitlin takes layups and threes. She is famously very averse to shooting shots in the mid-range.” (36:01)
- Zena Caida adds that Caitlin’s flashy plays and media presence have significantly amplified her visibility compared to Paige’s more measured rise.
Dewana Bonner's Departure from Indiana Fever
The hosts delve into the recent news of Dewana Bonner being waived by the Indiana Fever after nine games, exploring the implications for both Bonner and the team.
-
Role Changes and Team Dynamics:
- Jessica Hawke explains, “Dewana Bonner's role is one of the big things that changed... she had the lowest minutes average since her rookie season in 2009.” (04:49)
-
Speculations on the 'Fit':
- Zena Caida questions, “What does this mean? The fit did not work out?” (02:49)
-
Future Prospects:
- Ben Pickman speculates potential destinations for Bonner, suggesting teams like the Phoenix Mercury or New York Liberty could be interested, noting, “Being super clear on what she's looking for and what the team is looking for is probably of utmost importance this time around.” (09:09)
-
Player Empowerment:
- The discussion shifts to the broader theme of player agency in the WNBA. Ben Pickman states, “Players are agitating for new circumstances and being granted those wishes is actually pretty common in the WNBA space.” (15:32)
Injury Update: Caitlin Clark
An update on Caitlin Clark's recent groin injury is provided, detailing the circumstances and potential impact on her season.
- Incident Details:
- Zena Caida describes the injury moment: “Clark... ends up going to the ground and that's when she gets up holding her leg.” (28:09)
- Recovery and Impact:
- Jessica Hawke outlines her status as day-to-day and the importance of her upcoming games, including the Commissioner's Cup Championship.
Current WNBA Games and Highlights
The hosts review key matchups and standout performances from the week's games.
-
Washington Mystics vs. Minnesota Lynx:
- Jessica Hawke highlights the Mystics' impressive 68-64 win, praising their resilience despite missing key players: “Washington continues to compete. They continue to be really impressive.” (20:04)
-
Coach of the Year Candidates:
- Ben Pickman and Jessica Hawke discuss potential candidates, notably Sidney Johnson of the Washington Mystics, lauding his coaching performance: “Sidney Johnson should be in the WNBA coach of the year conversation.” (21:19)
Rookie Seasons and Player Impact
The conversation shifts to the exceptional performance of WNBA rookies, emphasizing the increased skill and immediate impact of the current class.
-
Skill Development:
- Ben Pickman attributes the readiness of current rookies to enhanced training and professionalization: “We're in the most skilled generation of college prospects.” (41:41)
-
Immediate Contributions:
- Hosts acknowledge that rookies are not only putting up impressive stats but also significantly contributing to their teams' successes.
Cultural Impact of Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark
The episode explores how both players are influencing basketball culture beyond the court, each in their unique way.
-
Fashion and Media Presence:
- Jessica Hawke notes Paige's involvement in fashion events and media appearances, contrasting it with Caitlin’s more spontaneous celebrity moments: “Paige was at every fashion week event, party, U.S. Open.” (43:37)
-
Representation and Advocacy:
- Ben Pickman discusses Paige’s role in advocating for Black women in the WNBA, enhancing her cultural significance: “Paige has been a part of the basketball discourse for so long.” (44:30)
-
Public Perception:
- The hosts debate why Caitlin Clark has become a more prominent figure in media chatter, attributing it to her flashy plays and the timing of her rise: “Caitlin was this supernova.” (48:31)
Conclusion and Future Outlook
As the episode wraps up, the hosts express excitement for future matchups between Bueckers and Clark, anticipating how their careers and cultural influences will continue to shape the WNBA.
-
期待未来对决:
- Zena Caida remarks, “It's fun to see someone that consistently has the ball in their hands be as efficient, be as fun, be as flashy as both of these players have been.” (51:36)
-
Emerging Talent:
- The discussion concludes with optimism for the continued rise of talented rookies and their contributions to the league’s growth and popularity.
Notable Quotes
- Zena Caida: “The fit did not work out.” (02:49)
- Jessica Hawke: “Player B is Caitlin Clark. Player A was Paige Bueckers.” (33:32)
- Ben Pickman: “Players are agitating for new circumstances and being granted those wishes is actually pretty common in the WNBA space.” (15:32)
- Jessica Hawke: “Sidney Johnson should be in the WNBA coach of the year conversation.” (21:19)
- Jessica Hawke: “Caitlin was this supernova.” (48:31)
Final Thoughts
This episode of No Offseason offers an in-depth analysis of two of the WNBA’s brightest stars, providing listeners with a comprehensive look at their careers, impacts, and the evolving landscape of women's basketball. Whether you're a dedicated fan or new to the sport, the discussion illuminates the dynamics shaping the league today.
Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided and are indicative of where the quotes occur within the episode.