The Dallas Wings are at a crossroads, and the upcoming season could be their most pivotal yet. For years, they’ve struggled to turn their high draft picks into lasting success, leaving fans and critics alike wondering: Can this team truly develop young talent? But here’s where it gets intriguing: the next season might just be their chance to silence the doubters—and it all hinges on one player who’s been written off by many.
Since 2019, the Wings have drafted an impressive 15 players in the first round. Yet, by 2025, only five remained on their roster. The rest? They’ve either moved on, been waived, or fallen out of the league entirely. It’s a stark reminder of how challenging it is to identify and nurture talent in the WNBA, where the margin for error is razor-thin. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about drafting well—it’s about creating an environment where players can thrive long-term.
Enter Awak Kuier, the Wings’ second overall pick in 2021. Her WNBA journey has been anything but smooth. After averaging just 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds over 86 games in her first three seasons, many labeled her a bust. But here’s the twist: Kuier, now 24, is dominating overseas with Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring Istanbul, proving she still has untapped potential. GM Curt Miller seems convinced she deserves another shot in Dallas, and if she returns, she could be the redemption story the Wings desperately need.
But let’s not sugarcoat it—the Wings’ drafting history is a mixed bag. Since relocating to Dallas, they’ve only advanced past the first round of the playoffs once and missed the postseason entirely five times. Despite securing top picks like Arike Ogunbowale (2019) and Satou Sabally (2020), retention has been a major issue. Sabally forced her way out, Bella Alarie retired after just 53 games, and Ty Harris was traded before returning later. The 2021 draft was particularly brutal: Charli Collier and Chelsea Dungee are out of the league, and Kuier’s future was in doubt until her recent resurgence.
And this is where it gets controversial: Are the Wings the problem, or is it the players? Some argue the team hasn’t provided the right support system for young talent to flourish. Others believe the players simply weren’t WNBA-ready. Take Veronica Burton, for example. Waived by the Wings after two seasons, she’s now a star for the Valkyries. Was she mishandled, or did she just need a change of scenery? The 2023 draft offers a glimmer of hope, with Maddy Siegrist still contributing, but Lou Lopez Sénéchal’s suspended contract and Abby Meyers’ early exit raise more questions than answers.
The Wings’ 2024 draft picks? Gone, thanks to trades and expansion draft decisions. So, as we look ahead, the big question remains: Can the Wings finally get it right? If Kuier returns and thrives, it could be a turning point. But if history repeats itself, the criticism will only grow louder. What do you think? Are the Wings on the right track, or is their drafting strategy fundamentally flawed? Let’s hear your take in the comments—this debate is far from over.
