WNBA star Paige Bueckers is one step closer to returning to game action.
Bueckers, who exited Tuesday’s game early with a back injury, participated in shootaround on Friday at College Park Center, according to Grant Afseth of the Dallas Hoops Journal.
Bueckers, the No. 1 pick in the draft, is listed as questionable to play against the New York Liberty.
Bueckers is averaging 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals for the Dallas Wings, separating herself as the WNBA Rookie of the Year favorite despite a series of injuries.
The former UConn standout is the only player in the league to currently rank top 10 in points, assists and steals per game.
Paige Bueckers is Close to Returning
Bueckers, 23, played almost three quarters before exiting Tuesday’s 85-76 loss to New York with what she later described as back tightness. After receiving treatment, the 6-foot guard returned to the floor in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.
“I was just dribbling the ball and just felt a tightness coming along,” Bueckers said postgame. “It’s day to day. I’m hoping it won’t take me out. Just get some treatment, get some rest.”
Bueckers did not participate in Thursday’s practice, though Wings head coach Chris Koclanes indicated her return wasn’t far off.
“Just rest, day to day,” Koclanes said of Bueckers’ status. “She should be fine for tomorrow.”
WNBA Star Has Been Saddled With Injuries
Bueckers has been as advertised since she was selected first overall by Dallas in April, even as injuries have tried to slow her down. Bueckers tied an WNBA record in just her 22nd career game, matching Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper as the fastest player to accumulate 400 points and 100 assists.
After averaging 18.2 points, 5.2 assists and 1.8 steals in July, she was named the league’s top rookie for the second straight month.
The previous month, Bueckers sat out three games with a concussion and missed another with an illness. Bueckers also was sidelined with a knee issue, which she revealed to be patellar tendinitis. Bueckers has dealt with the condition since high school.
“In a sense, you’re managing it at all times,” Bueckers said. “There’s no day where it probably doesn’t hurt.”
Wings Give Encouraging Update on Injury to WNBA Top Draft Pick