The WNBA preseason is heating up, and one team that’s definitely turning heads is the Dallas Wings. Drafting Paige Bueckers with the first pick? You know that’s going to stir up some serious excitement among fans. The city of Dallas now has another Luka Dončić to rally behind, and the future looks incredibly promising. WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes also weighed in, sharing her take on the massive impact the UConn legend could have on the Wings.

Let’s be real–who wasn’t eager to see Paige Bueckers hit the court? Her preseason debut against the Las Vegas Aces didn’t disappoint. In just 23 minutes, Bueckers put up 10 points and 4 rebounds, shooting 4-of-7 from the field. Right from the get go, she showed signs of being a true baller!

Swoopes couldn’t help but praise the Wings’ rookies after their performance against the Aces on the Women’s Hoops Show. She highlighted just how impressive they were, making a strong case for the team’s potential this season.

Swoopes shared her thoughts, saying, “I look at Dallas, and I think Paige Bueckers is going to be really, really good in this league. Paige is just a baller.” She didn’t stop there. “Not only Paige, but also the rookies. To your point, I was a fan of JJ Quinterly at West Virginia. I’m so happy for her in this moment, and I hope she can land a spot on this team because I think she deserves it.”

Despite the 112-78 loss to the Aces, there was plenty to like about Dallas. Their rookies, in particular, stood out. JJ Quinerly and Aziaha James played exceptionally well. Together, they combined for an impressive 26 points, with Quinerly even outscoring everyone else on her team, despite limited minutes. However, while the trio of rookies looked strong for Dallas, one of their key veterans didn’t quite show up, leaving Swoopes with some thoughts

She continued, saying, “Teaira McCowan, I’m not sure. Like, I don’t know. I watched and I’m like, is she healthy? Is she unhappy? Does she not want to be there? I just kind of felt like she was going through the motions. Maybe she’s thinking, ‘It’s preseason, I don’t have to play that hard,’ but I need you to, like, I need you to play hard.”

In her 14 minutes against the Aces, McCowan had 0 rebounds and scored just 3 points. When she was on the court, the team was -26–the worst on the team. It was clear that the team’s rebounding leader from last season didn’t have a good game, but everyone knows how talented she is. It’s only a matter of time before we see the best version of Teaira.

This is a rebuild time for Dallas, and they’re lucky to have Paige as the cornerstone of their franchise heading into the new season. Once Arike Ogunbowale passes the reins, this will undoubtedly be Paige’s team. So, how is Paige settling in? Let’s take a look at what she had to say!

Paige Bueckers looking to build connections in Dallas

As part of a young Dallas Wings squad looking to rebuild, Paige knew her leadership would be crucial moving forward. From the start, she set the tone, being vocal and competing hard at training camp. Her playful banter with DiJonai Carrington showed she’s not just here to hoop, but to connect and make meaningful relationships with everyone. That chemistry? It’s the foundation of any great franchise.

“I’m trying to come in and earn everybody’s respect through passion, heart, communication, and building that chemistry on and off the court,” Bueckers said. “I’m just soaking it up and enjoying every moment, getting used to new routines, traditions, new teammates, and new organization. I’m just excited to be playing basketball again with this new group and continue to grow and get better every day.”

No one’s expecting Dallas to win it all right away. And Paige gets that. This year is about laying the groundwork. Losses will happen. So will wins. What matters most is how this group sticks together through it all. The ups, the downs—that’s what builds a winning culture. Can Bueckers lead this new era in Dallas? Only time will tell.