Next season presents a pivotal moment for the Wings to demonstrate their potential and counter past criticisms.
The task of drafting and retaining top young talent has proven quite challenging for the Wings. Since 2019, the franchise has utilized fifteen first-round picks to select players, yet only five of these athletes made it to the roster in 2025. The remainder either moved on to other teams, were waived by the Wings and found new opportunities elsewhere, or have exited the league entirely.
The upcoming season—hopefully starting soon—offers the Wings a crucial chance to show that at least one of their previously viewed top picks was not a failed attempt, indicating their ability to nurture young talent despite some earlier draft setbacks. Awak Kuier, who has not competed in the WNBA since 2023, is still just 24 years old and enjoying a remarkable season with Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring Istanbul. General Manager Curt Miller seems eager to welcome her back to Dallas sooner rather than later.
Kuier was selected as the second overall pick by the Wings in 2021. Unfortunately, her performance hasn’t matched the expectations typically associated with such a high draft selection, as she averaged only 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds over the span of 86 games during her first three seasons. It’s worth noting that she was relatively young and inexperienced when she debuted with the Wings in 2021. If she returns to the WNBA when the next season begins, it's highly likely that Kuier will improve her statistics, thereby justifying the Wings’ decision to invest a top draft pick in her.
However, the Wings have experienced several missteps throughout their drafting history. Since relocating to Dallas, the team has advanced past the first round of the playoffs only once and has missed the postseason five times, resulting in numerous valuable draft picks. The critical issue has been selecting players who can sustain their careers in the WNBA and remain with the Dallas team.
In 2019, the Wings chose Arike Ogunbowale as the fifth overall pick, and she has remained with the team ever since—unlike many other top selections. The following year, they drafted three players in the first round: Satou Sabally, Bella Alarie, and Ty Harris. Unfortunately, Sabally sought a trade after the 2024 season, while Alarie played only 53 games before announcing her retirement. Ty Harris did return for another stint with the team after being traded to the Sun in 2023.
During the 2021 draft, the Wings held the first, second, and fifth picks, selecting Charli Collier, Awak Kuier, and Chelsea Dungee in that order. Unfortunately, both Collier and Dungee have since exited the league, with Dungee playing only 14 games for the Wings before her departure and Collier being waived in 2023. The following year, they picked Veronica Burton, but after two seasons, she was waived and is now flourishing with the Valkyries.
The 2023 draft marked a slight improvement for the Wings, as at least one of their three first-round selections remains on the roster. Maddy Siegrist was brought on board as the third overall pick and continues to contribute. Lou Lopez Sénéchal participated in 27 games, though her contract is currently suspended, and Abby Meyers didn’t make it past the training camp. Compounding their challenges, the Wings also lost their 2024 first-round picks; they traded Jacy Sheldon to the Sun and neglected to protect Carla Leite during the expansion draft.
But here's where it gets controversial: Are the Wings truly capable of turning their drafting strategy around, or are they doomed to repeat past mistakes? What do you think? Are they on the right path, or is it time for a significant overhaul? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
