The Dallas Wings are preparing for a transformational 2025 WNBA season after drafting UConn standout Paige Bueckers as the first overall pick in the draft. Her accession to the team is a key step in the Wings’ efforts to rebuild following a challenging 9-31 season.
Dallas Wings’ New Era: Paige Bueckers Headlines a Revamped Starting Lineup
The Wings’ predicted starting five for the next season comprises a mix of experienced players and prospective rookies.
Wings projected starting lineup:
Paige Bueckers
Arike Ogunbowale
DiJonai Carrington
NaLyssa Smith
Teaira McCowan— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) April 14, 2025
- Paige Bueckers (G): The top draft pick brings exceptional playmaking and scoring abilities, having led UConn to a national championship and earning comparisons to WNBA legends.
- Arike Ogunbowale (G): A proven scorer and 2024 All-Star Game MVP, Ogunbowale averaged 22.2 points per game last season and is expected to thrive alongside Bueckers.
- DiJonai Carrington (G/F): Acquired in the offseason, Carrington adds defensive tenacity and versatility on the wing.
- NaLyssa Smith (F): Traded from the Indiana Fever, Smith brings rebounding prowess and interior scoring to the frontcourt.
- Teaira McCowan (C): Anchoring the paint, McCowan provides size and shot-blocking ability, essential for the team’s defensive schemes.
Fans and analysts are excited about Bueckers’ tandem with Ogunbowale. Bueckers’ court vision and selflessness complement Ogunbowale’s scoring abilities, potentially forming one of the league’s most powerful backcourts.
Sue Bird, a WNBA legend, has identified this pair as a vital component in the Wings’ resurrection.
Bueckers’ arrival has already made an impact beyond the hardwood. Within 48 hours after her arrival, the Wings saw a $50,000 spike in ticket revenues, and season ticket memberships sold out months before the season started.
This surge demonstrates increased excitement and renewed interest in the team’s future.
Also Read: Paige Bueckers Earns NCAA World’s Praise After Alleged Kindness Towards UConn Professor Emerges
With an updated roster and the addition of youthful talent, the Dallas Wings are primed to make tremendous progress in the 2025 season. Bueckers’ leadership, Ogunbowale’s scoring, and the squad’s overall depth make them a viable playoff challenger and a team to monitor in an evolving WNBA landscape.
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