The Dallas Wings haven’t been able to soar through the winds and take flight so far. Things were supposed to get better after drafting Paige Bueckers, but here we are, lingering around the bottom of the table. Sure, a title was in nobody’s mind, but so wasn’t 0-3, or 1-4 if we were to count the pre-season. What can Dallas do to ease their early-season suffering? According to head coach Chris Koclanes, it might be the art of “being self-critical.” But first, they are going to be hearing it from the outsiders. 

Bueckers hit the ground running, so to speak, averaging about 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in her first three games. Not to mention, she recorded her first double-double in Minnesota, proving to the world that she’s not here to mess around! Looking at the rate at which she’s adapting to the W, there’s no doubt that Dallas truly has a gem on their hands in the long run. However, their short-term success remains in doubt.

Former ESPN reporter Rachel DeMita, for one, raised the concern. On her show, the Courtside Club, the host talked about the struggling Dallas team. She wasn’t mincing words. “I think they’re going to be one of the worst teams in the league,” DeMita said, pointing out their dismal 0-3 record to start the season. “I don’t see them making the playoffs, and I don’t know who they have on their team who could be a solid veteran leader for this team when things start to crumble.” And frankly, there’s truth to the panic. 

After the team finished 9-31 last season, everyone in Dallas was ready to hit the refresh button. And they did. Curt Miller came in, brought along coach Chris Koclanes, and for the roster, they went with versatility and a mix of youth and experience. DiJonai Carrington, Tyasha Harris, and NaLyssa Smith, joining Arike Ogunbowale. That’s the concern right there– none of those have more than 5 years of experience, save for the Notre Dame star with 6. So she is their best bet for veteran presence.

It is clear the Wings are building for the future with that roster. But here’s the thing: all those contracts are bound to end either this year or next. So when the new CBA rules set in and the franchises look to start afresh once again, Wings are going to need something to show, and their current status is not helping. Not with Bueckers’ involvement, either, who still seems to be running on a slower pace.

“I want to use my voice, build confidence within the players that I’m playing with, challenge them, support them,” Bueckers had said prior to the season. But the former ESPN host is just not seeing it translate yet. “I don’t see Paige going into a system like Dallas and being that vocal leader, the one that everyone goes to on that team,” DeMita further pointed out.

It will take Bueckers some time to navigate the W well. Until that happens, the offense will need more tent pegs than just her, and that is for sure! But the Dallas Wings rookie hasn’t disappointed heavily so far. Even though the expectations are sky-high, she is living up to them quite well. But we all remember another rookie who entered the league with the world on her shoulders. What does she have to say about Buecker’s predicament? Let’s find out!

Caitlin Clark debunks any comparisons with Paige Bueckers

CC is a household name if there ever was one. The Indiana Fever star proved it all in her rookie year, winning the prestigious ROTY award, and finishing 4th in MVP rankings. She knows how to deal with pressure right off the bat, and there is no one better suited to give advice to Bueckers.

After all, their situation is quite similar. Bueckers does not have as heavy a burden as Caitlin Clark did, but she still carries weight wherever she goes. And as for playing styles? Well, the similarities run deep, but so do the differences. They’re both guards that are about six-feet-tall, and are proper pass-first point guards. However, their approach towards the game with their styles is what differentiates the two. 

Even Bueckers agreed that CC and her are fundamentally different players. However, our biggest scoop comes from an interview that Caitlin Clark did with Bustle. When she was asked about the comparisons, she had nothing but positives to send out. “There’s always going to be comparisons,” she said. “So you just [have to] believe in yourself, believe in your abilities, and have confidence in what you’re going to do. It’s never about comparing [yourself] to somebody before you or somebody that will come after you.” 

There is no doubt that both Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark are generational talents in the WNBA. Their work ethic and desire to win set them apart from the competition, and maybe even from each other.