The Dallas Wings' recent struggles have raised concerns about the team's future direction, particularly under the leadership of Curt Miller and Greg Bibb. The franchise, once a laughingstock, has made significant strides, but the current state of affairs is a cause for worry. Miller, a respected figure in women's basketball, was hired to steer the team towards championship contention, but his decisions have been questioned.
One of the most notable blunders was the decision to leave Carla Leite unprotected in the 2024 WNBA Expansion Draft, a move that went against the organization's best interests. Leite, a promising prospect, ended up in Golden State, where she thrived, showcasing skills that could complement Paige Bueckers. Miller's lack of accountability for this mistake is concerning.
The hiring of Chris Koclanes as head coach was another controversial choice, as Koclanes, an unknown assistant at USC, was deemed overmatched. Miller's tendency to prioritize personal relationships over the best personnel choices has been a recurring theme. The multi-team trade in February, which resulted in the acquisition of DiJonai Carrington, was a disaster, as Carrington proved to be an awful fit with the team.
The trade for Li Yueru from Seattle was also criticized, as the Wings gave up valuable draft assets for a player who isn't a serious rotation player. The decision to trade NaLyssa Smith to Las Vegas for a late first-round pick was seen as a positive move, but Smith's success in Vegas contrasts with her struggles in Dallas. The trade for DiJonai Carrington to Minnesota was a waste of resources, as Carrington's performance in Dallas was poor.
Free agency decisions, such as signing Arike Ogunbowale, Alanna Smith, and Jessica Shepard to multi-year contracts, have raised concerns about the team's direction. The selection of Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft has been heavily criticized, with the author ranking other prospects higher. Fudd's injuries and underperformance have led to a desperate win-now pivot, leaving the team with limited options for acquiring a star player.
The author concludes that Miller and Bibb's leadership is no longer suitable for the franchise's success. The need for a complete front office reset is emphasized, as the current state of affairs threatens the team's future and the potential of Paige Bueckers. The organization must make bold decisions to recover and build a true contender.
