The Dallas Wings weren’t expected to be one of the best teams in the WNBA. However, they were expected to show some progress after posting the second-worst record in the league last season. To start the season, the Wings have a league-worst 2-11 record. This is a fairly disappointing start to the season after the Wings landed the No. 1 pick, Paige Bueckers, to create a dynamic backcourt pairing with Arike Ogunbowale. Clearly, this will be another rebuilding season for Dallas.
Dallas Wings’ Rebuild Primed to Continue
The Wings’ Offseason Offered Some Promise
In the offseason, the Wings had lost Satou Sabally and Kalani Brown. Despite losing those players, they would have expected to do better as they have brought in brilliant players. The likes of Dijonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith were added to a roster that underachieved last year. Unfortunately, Smith has taken a significant step back as a scorer, averaging just 6.7 points. This has been a key problem for the Wings.
Bueckers is averaging 17.7 points, and Ogunbowale is pouring in 16.8 points. Bueckers and Ogunbowale give Dallas a solid duo to build around. However, the Wings simply don’t have enough offensive production outside of Bueckers and Ogunbowale. The Wings feel poised to have a top pick in the 2026 draft. This will allow them to add some more young talent.
Dream and Mercury Started the Season Well
The Wings are similar to the Atlanta Dream and Phoenix Mercury in the sense that they were expected to compete in the playoffs. An argument could be made for all three franchises going deep into the playoffs following remarkable offseason moves. Despite this, neither of them was amongst the favorites to win the championship as both the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx have continuity. While Dream and the Mercury are living up to expectations, the Wings have flattered to deceive. This is concerning for the Wings, as both of those teams can only get better. The new players are still getting used to each other, and there is still room for improvement as neither side has been perfect. While the Wings haven’t shown many promising signs despite making some improvements in the offseason.
There are Teams Higher in the Standings That Have a Weaker Roster
The Wings’ start to the season is alarming when you consider the Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics, and Golden State Valkyries are above them. Before the start of the season, nothing was expected from those teams for varying reasons. The Valkyries are a new franchise and don’t have the league’s best players, while the Mystics don’t have the personnel to compete for a playoff position. The Sun’s situation is more serious as they lost several key players, such as Alyssa Thomas and Brionna Jones, in the offseason. They are a complete contrast to the side that went far in the playoffs last year.
Ultimately, not being able to capitalize on a solid roster is a concerning sign for the Wings. As the Wings continue to rebuild, they’ll look to improve their roster this offseason.
Featured image: © Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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