The Dallas Wings are at a crossroads, and the upcoming season could be their most pivotal yet. For years, they’ve struggled to retain and develop their top draft picks, leaving fans and critics alike questioning their strategy. But here’s where it gets intriguing: next season might just be their chance to silence the doubters and prove they can turn young talent into stars. Since 2019, the Wings have drafted an impressive 15 players in the first round, yet only five remain on their 2025 roster. The rest? They’ve either moved on, been waived, or fallen out of the league entirely. It’s a stark reality that raises eyebrows—but also highlights the high-stakes nature of their upcoming decisions.
Take Awak Kuier, for example. Drafted second overall in 2021, she never quite lived up to expectations during her time in Dallas, averaging just 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds over 86 games. But here’s the twist: at just 24 years old, Kuier is now dominating overseas with Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring Istanbul, leaving many to wonder if the Wings gave up on her too soon. General Manager Curt Miller seems determined to bring her back, and if she returns to the WNBA, she could be the redemption story the Wings desperately need. It’s a bold move, but one that could vindicate their decision to draft her so high—and prove they’re capable of nurturing talent after all.
And this is the part most people miss: the Wings’ drafting struggles aren’t just about picking the wrong players. It’s about retention and development. Since relocating to Dallas, they’ve only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once and missed the postseason entirely five times. That’s led to a treasure trove of high draft picks, but the challenge has been keeping those players in Dallas and helping them thrive. Arike Ogunbowale, drafted fifth overall in 2019, is one of the few success stories, but others like Satou Sabally and Bella Alarie have either forced their way out or retired prematurely. Is it a scouting issue, a development problem, or something else entirely? That’s the million-dollar question.
The 2021 draft is a particularly painful reminder of their struggles. With the first, second, and fifth picks, they selected Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, and Chelsea Dungee—all of whom are now out of the league or no longer with the team. Even Veronica Burton, drafted in 2022, was waived after two seasons and has since become a star for the Valkyries. It’s a pattern that’s hard to ignore—but also one that makes their potential redemption all the more compelling.
The 2023 draft offered a glimmer of hope, with Maddy Siegrist still contributing as the third overall pick. However, Lou Lopez Sénéchal’s contract is suspended, and Abby Meyers didn’t even make it past training camp. Add to that the loss of their 2024 first-round picks, and it’s clear the Wings are at a critical juncture. But what if Kuier’s return marks a turning point? What if it’s the first step in a new era of success?
As we look ahead to the next season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Wings have a chance to rewrite their narrative, but it won’t be easy. Do you think they can turn it around, or is their drafting strategy fundamentally flawed? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark some fiery opinions.
