The Dallas Wings’ excitement soared when Paige Bueckers joined the team after they won the No. 1 draft pick lottery. This milestone, shortly after Curt Miller became general manager, generated nationwide attention, fueled by parallels to Caitlin Clark’s rise and the emergence of Angel Reese WNBA rising star. The Wings quickly sold out season tickets and broadened their TV coverage to over six million households, setting hopes that Bueckers could turn the franchise’s fortunes around following a poor prior season.
Despite the initial promise, the team has struggled to find success on the court, compiling an 8-22 record. As results lag, mounting expectations have created intense pressure on Bueckers to perform amid a team that has yet to gel.
Challenges of Carrying a Non-Competitive Roster
Sports journalist Ashley Nicole Moss highlighted on the We Need To Talk podcast the unrealistic demand placed on rookies like Bueckers.
“There’s this belief that a rookie player can completely change a franchise, but that’s not realistic if you don’t have a roster capable of competing in the WNBA.”
—Ashley Nicole Moss, CBS Journalist
This situation is familiar across professional basketball. NBA rookie Cooper Flagg also faces hardships with the Mavericks, while Caitlin Clark’s effectiveness was boosted by established teammates like Aliyah Boston. The contrast underscores how a rookie’s impact depends heavily on the surrounding team structure.
Instability and Rebuilding at Dallas
Although Bueckers is one of the WNBA’s highest-paid athletes, earning $1,474,065, and remains a top player, Dallas lacks a solid supporting cast. Rookie head coach Chris Koclanes leads a squad undergoing shifts, including trading away DiJonai Carrington, signaling a longer-term rebuild rather than immediate contention.
Midseason moves like the trade of NaLyssa Smith to the Las Vegas Aces in exchange for Diamond Miller have yet to change Dallas’s trajectory. According to ClutchPoints analyst Joey Mistretta, discussions to add a small forward or power forward were uncertain and incomplete.
“The deal was 50/50,”
—Joey Mistretta, ClutchPoints analyst, reflecting doubts about finding the right additions to improve the roster.
Uncertain Prospects for Dallas Wings’ Future
Paige Bueckers’ talent and potential remain unquestioned, yet she cannot carry the Wings’ revival alone. Without clear roster improvements and strategic direction, Dallas risks watching another promising star’s growth stall due to organizational instability.
As the season progresses, the franchise faces critical decisions on building a competitive team around Bueckers to capitalize on her abilities, maintain fan enthusiasm, and contend in a league where stars like Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark continue to shine.