How can franchise-changing talent Paige Bueckers transform Dallas Wings' dynamics?

Modified Apr 14, 2025 02:49 GMT

How Paige Bueckers can positively change the Dallas Wings' dynamics. [photo: @dallaswings/IG, @paigebueckers/Ig]

The Dallas Wings are expected to make Paige Bueckers the No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA draft. Bueckers, the presumptive top pick for months, will finally join the pros on Tuesday. Wings GM Curt Miller, who could not hold back his excitement when his team won the lottery, can nab a franchise-altering player.

Bueckers will enter the draft fresh from leading UConn to its 12th national championship. After a heartbreaking Final Four loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa last year, Bueckers carried the Huskies to their first title since 2016.

With her collegiate career over, Bueckers will turn her sights to the WNBA, where she will likely play for the Dallas Wings.

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As such, let's take a look at what Paige Bueckers will bring to the Dallas Wings and her potential impact.

What is Paige Bueckers' potential impact on the Dallas Wings?

#3. Paige Bueckers is expected to give basketball in Dallas a boost

The Dallas Wings lost Satou Sabally in free agency. In early February, the Dallas Mavericks traded NBA superstar Luka Doncic to the LA Lakers.

Paige Bueckers, who many expect to have near the same off-court impact as Caitlin Clark, will give Dallas basketball a boost. The former UConn superstar has the following and supporters to put the city in the hoops limelight again.

#2. Bueckers gives the Wings another legitimate scorer besides Arike Ogunbowale

Last year, Wings opponents were all too willing to dare somebody else to beat them besides Arike Ogunbowale. Satou Sabally played only 15 games because of a shoulder injury, allowing defenses to focus on the sharpshooter.

Paige Bueckers is a legitimate scorer who will lighten the load for the veteran. Bueckers can score from deep or attack the paint. She can dissect double teams if she gets too much attention on defense.

Satou Sabally (17.9 PPG) and Natasha Howard (17.6 PPG) are out. The Wings are desperate to see Bueckers carry her scoring prowess in college to the WNBA.

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#1. Bueckers will run the Dallas Wings' offense

New coach Chris Koclanes' offense will run through Bueckers. Last year, the Wings’ top playmakers were Odyssey Sims, Arike Ogunbowale, Satou Sabally, Sevgi Uzun, and Natasha Howard. Only Ogunbowale, a natural shooting guard, will return to play for the Dallas Wings.

Koclanes will likely hand Bueckers the reins right off the bat. Bueckers’ poise, reading of the game and experience will be invaluable.

Last year, Caitlin Clark led the WNBA in assists with 8.4 APG. Bueckers could follow in her footsteps and help carry the Wings with her playmaking.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Michael Macasero