Paige Bueckers Addresses Social Media Criticism Amid Wings’ Rebuild

ARLINGTON, Texas — Paige Bueckers, star guard for the Dallas Wings, is frustrated with the disrespect she faces on social media, particularly from fans on Instagram. Bueckers voiced her concerns during an interview released on Monday, as the Wings navigate a rebuilding phase under new head coach Jose Fernandez.

Bueckers, who is considered the leader of the franchise, acknowledged that the team is not performing at the level she aspires to. “I might have a good individual performance, but we lose as a team. Other people didn’t have their best shooting performance, and the comments online say, ‘Paige needs help,’” she explained.

She emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving success on the court. “What we’re building as a team requires all of us to collectively ask, ‘How can we help each other better?’” Bueckers said. She feels that many outside the organization misunderstand her situation by suggesting she needs better teammates. Instead, she trusts the players on her team and believes they will grow together.

“It’s not ‘Paige needs help.’ We all need to work together,” she stated. Bueckers wants fans to think carefully before posting negative comments, as these can affect players’ mental health.

“People try to isolate you from the team… How can I show up to work, do my job and make everybody’s job easier?” Bueckers added. The competitive nature of sports, she believes, sometimes makes it better to remain silent rather than contribute to negativity.

In other news for the Wings, they won the 2026 draft lottery, giving them the first overall pick for the second consecutive year. This follows last year’s selection of Bueckers. The team has the opportunity to decide between several top prospects, including UCLA’s Lauren Betts and UConn’s Azzi Fudd.

Fudd, a sharpshooter averaging 21 points per game with a remarkable three-point shooting percentage of 54.8%, could be a key addition to improve the Wings’ performance. Former player Chiney Ogwumike advocates for the Wings to consider Fudd in the draft.

With Bueckers and Fudd previously winning a national championship together at UConn, their established chemistry may benefit the Wings moving forward. As the Dallas Wings prepare for the off-season, Bueckers and her team are focused on honing their skills and growing together.