It would seem like Paige Bueckers has overtaken Caitlin Clark as the league's most valuable player, at least according to the front office.

On May 5, the WNBA released the results of its annual survey, asking 42 questions to the 15 general managers of the teams, including "If you were starting a franchise today and could sign any player in the WNBA, who would it be?"

Bueckers won that question with 33% of the votes in her favor. Caitlin Clark, who previously came first when asked the same question amongst managers last year, came second with 20% of the votes.

Clark won with a massive 50% votes when asked this question last year, a very noticeable drop. Four-time MVP A'ja Wilson also came second with the same amount of votes. Although it is worth noting that Wilson is five years older than Clark.

This year, however, Clark also came in second to the question, "Who is the best point guard in the WNBA?" Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray received 73% of the responses, Clark 20%.

The drop in votes is likely because of CC's sophomore season with the Indiana Fever. She played only 13 games and was sidelined since July because of recurring groin injuries.

The WNBA GMs seem to believe that the 2024 ROTY needs to prove herself again in her third year to gain momentum in the race for the best player in the league.

Meanwhile, Bueckers enjoyed a fruitful first season with the Dallas Wings last year, winning the Rookie of the Year honors.

While the Wings had a disappointing 10-34 record, Bueckers shone with averages of 19.2 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game, cementing herself as one of the league's most promising stars.

The Wings, in general, were the favorites in the majority of the voting, as the new-look team has gained significant attention under new coach Jose Fernandez ahead of the season.

Dallas was a Popular Pick among WNBA General Managers

Apart from putting Bueckers over Clark, the Wings also won other important questions we have been speculating about during the offseason.

According to the GMs, Dallas made the best transfer moves this offseason, receiving 47% of the votes.

They also received 67% votes for the most improved team, while tying with the Seattle Storm at 31% for the most promising young core.

The questions were also related to entertainment value, and Dallas was once again chosen first at 36% of the votes to the question asking which team would be the most fun to watch. The Fever and Atlanta Dream tied for second place with 29% votes each.

The voting results came just as we head for what is about to be an exciting WNBA season.

The season kicks off with Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings battling with Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on May 9.

Who will be the team to lift the WNBA trophy this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Surjo Ray