Paige Bueckers officially stepped into the WNBA spotlight, but her much-anticipated debut quickly turned into a baptism by fire. The Dallas Wings’ new face of the franchise was handed a harsh welcome by the defending champion Las Vegas Aces, as the Wings suffered a lopsided 112-78 preseason defeat.
The blowout not only served as a wake-up call for the rookie phenom but also exposed early cracks in the leadership of first-time head coach Chris Koclanes.
Bueckers had her “welcome to the league” moment in the first quarter, when she connected on a five-foot left-handed floater, only to be sent crashing to the baseline on the follow-through.
“It’s super surreal in terms of the turnaround from where I was two weeks ago to where I am today,” Bueckers said after the game.
On Saturday, she finished with 10 points, hitting 4-of-7 from the field, including two three-pointers, while adding four rebounds in 23 minutes.
Amidst the criticism, Bueckers has found solace in the support of the broader basketball community. Her former UConn teammate, Nika Mühl, recently made her WNBA debut with the Seattle Storm, and Bueckers was quick to cheer her on, sharing a heartfelt message on social media . This gesture exemplifies Bueckers’ character and the strong bonds she maintains within the sport.
New coach under pressure as Dallas stumble again
Koclanes, who was brought in after the Wings parted ways with Latricia Trammell following a 9-31 season, is facing mounting pressure. With Bueckers on the roster, expectations soared. But so far, the results don’t match the promise.
Fans, eager for a turnaround, expressed their frustrations on social media, with some calling for a change in leadership. One tweet succinctly captured the sentiment: “The Dallas Wings need a new coach.” This growing unrest underscores the high expectations placed on the team, especially with the addition of a player of Bueckers’ caliber.
“Dallas Wings a**. Paige gotta realize she a rookie but she the best player on the team n the coach looking trash,” another user wrote on X.
This franchise, which began its WNBA life as the Detroit Shock, still carries the legacy of championship glory. Under the leadership of Bill Laimbeer, they won titles in 2003, 2006, and 2008. But since then, playoff success has been sparse.
In the past 17 seasons, the Wings have reached just one semifinal-under Trammell in 2023. Her dismissal after one underwhelming season left many puzzled, and her replacement is now under even greater scrutiny.
While the preseason loss was disheartening, it’s essential to recognize that Bueckers is still adapting to the professional game. Her resilience and ability to bounce back from early setbacks will be crucial as she continues to develop.
The Dallas Wings, with their blend of emerging talent and experienced players, have the potential to evolve into a competitive team. However, this will require time, patience, and a cohesive strategy from both the coaching staff and the players.
Read the full article here
