Could it be true that when eyes are locked on the future, you run the risk of tripping over the present? Well, perhaps the Dallas Wings can answer that, as they add to already grim affairs in Dallas basketball. The Mavericks shipped off Luka Dončić, and there is Kyrie Irving, who was ruled out for the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. Across the court, the Dallas Wings are spiraling in their own way. Just like the Mavs, they snagged the No. 1 pick and brought in Paige Bueckers, hoping she’d be their magic bean. But they barely seem to be making any strides to reach even halfway.
Firstly, injuries have played a huge role in the formation of the current starting roster and the losing record that the Wings have incurred. Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, and DiJonai Carrington were supposed to be the core of the team, and as of mid-July? Only Bueckers is on the hardwood floor. Moreover, the EuroBasket crippled their frontcourt for a week or two, taking away important pieces like Luisa Geiselsoder and Teaira McCowan. So, with Dallas sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference, with a 6-15 record, fans have obviously raised a lot of questions. Some people have been constructive and inquisitive, while others? Downright lethal. But Curt Miller, the GM of the Dallas Wings, made sure that fans knew the hate wasn’t getting to him.
In a presser leading up to the Caitlin Clark vs Paige Bueckers clash on the weekend, the Wings GM talked about the online buzz his team was generating. “You understand it,” Miller said. “This is the unintended consequence of having more eyes on the game. It’s really, really exciting, the growth of the game.” And honestly? That makes sense. The WNBA has a lot more eyes on it now than ever before, and some people just don’t get the concept.
Wings GM Curt Miller on online criticism: “The noise won’t affect decisions within this strong organization.” pic.twitter.com/KCUd4sNMGe
— Myah Taylor (@t_myah) July 11, 2025
The Wings are going through a rebuild. As simple as that. Drafting Paige Bueckers was a step in the right direction, but one rookie cannot lead the team to the promised land, and Miller was clear about it. Talents like Li Yueru and JJ Quinerly are on the rise, and the team’s offense is taking an entirely new shape. While some major concerns still remain, Dallas is doing well for where it stands in the rebuilding process.
And things might tip more in the Wings’ favor when Ogunbowale and Carrington return. Ahead of the high-profile matchup with the Fever, Arike’s status has been upgraded to “probable”. Also, Carrington could be seen as a non-contact participant in practice on Friday. So, the good signs are there and they are more than important. The team needs Ogunbowale to take some pressure off Paige, who’s struggled with her scoring in the past few games.
But some fans beg the question – does any of it really matter if the Wings keep losing games? And Curt Miller addressed this pertinent question during his media availability session before the Fever game. “This organization understands what we’re undergoing, and where we’re at, and what we’re doing. So the noise is noise. Where less involved owners, and less involved decision makers in organizations? They can let noise affect change… The noise won’t affect decisions within this strong organization,” Miller said, taking a rock-iron stance on the situation.
It’s not just the Dallas GM who’s noticing and talking about all the hate and aggression that his team is getting. Wings star Arike Ogunbowale addressed the issue during her most recent media interaction as well.
“More promo,” Paige Bueckers’ star teammate gives refreshing perspective on online hate
Whether you love them or hate them, the Dallas Wings are catching headlines every time they play. Even though they’re armed with stars like Bueckers and Ogunbowale, the team still struggles. They’re currently ranked as the second-worst team in the entire W, with a winning percentage of 28.6%. However, their mentality is super strong, and they’re all committed to the process. Take Arike Ogunbowale, for example – her mentality about the criticism her team gets is a refreshing parallel to the Dallas GM.
At its core, the concept is still the same for Ogunbowale. “More eyes, more people who feel the need to talk about it whether it’s good or bad. That’s gonna happen regardless.” She said, considering that the league’s popularity boom was definitely major. But what Arike said about the criticism was quite inspirational! “It’s definitely great seeing the growth. And like I said, they’re going to talk good or bad, but they’re talking. So that’s more promo.” Fair enough, and their recently announced partnership with LaCroix Sparkling Water by National Beverage Corp. is proof enough.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Wings center Luisa Geiselsoder (18) in the huddle with forward Myisha Hines-Allen (2), guard Arike Ogunbowale (24) guard Paige Bueckers (5) against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“The Dallas Wings is an exciting team featuring the talent of rookie Paige Bueckers. Bueckers, who was just chosen as an All-Star starter in her rookie year, is breaking records and exhilarating fans. LaCroix is the perfect partner for this young and vibrant team that is dedicated to supporting local community and youth,” the spokesperson of the company said. Thankfully, someone sees that long-term potential.
It will be interesting to see if the Dallas Wings can back up their bold statements during the rest of the season. Their roster is spread-thin because of injury, but they still have the competitive fire we’ve come to expect from them. Can they turn a supposed lost cause into a playoff push? Only time will tell.
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