Ranking 3rd in rebounds, but 10th in defense, the Wings are a team of brutal contrasts. They crash the boards and battle on the glass, but they bleed points around the perimeter, leading to losses aplenty. Chris Koclanes’ team isn’t just losing, they’re unravelling, and rookie phenom Paige Bueckers seems helpless to stop it. Her 18 points and 5 assists a night just simply aren’t enough to will Dallas to victory. Their problems aren’t just on the court, however, as injuries have left the team shorthanded as well. DiJonai Carrington and Arike Ogunbowale have been missing from the lineup for the last few games, and it’s been tough to say the least.
One good thing stemming from a limited roster, however, is that we’ve seen some real gems hidden in Dallas’ bench depth. JJ Quinerly, an explosive scorer and facilitator, and Li Yueru have been crucial for the team during this time. Not to mention, we’ve seen Paige Bueckers get more touches than any rookie would otherwise get in the absence of Ogunbowale and Carrington. But is the status quo going to remain the same when the roster is at full strength?
Well, Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes answered this very question in the pre-game media availability. A reporter asked him whether Bueckers would primarily have the ball in her hands even in a full roster, and his response? Pretty neutral, almost as if he was looking past the idea. “I think we’re still exploring a lot. Paige at the one, as having the ball in her hands, and being the primary. But I like two–y’know, JJ at the one and you got Arike and Paige on the wings as well, I think that could be a really dynamic lineup too.” He said, not closing any opportunities for his team, but not confirming anything.
But something even more interesting is the addition of Haley Jones to the Dallas roster. The six-foot-one guard, after being a free-agent thrice during this season, signed with the Wings before the Chicago game. “And so, now you’ve added Haley as well who can play the 1, the 3 and the 4. So you’ve got another facilitator that can put them off the ball. And when they’re off the ball? You can move them, use them as screeners, you could just get even more creative.” Koclanes said ahead of the game, announcing his intentions of experimenting with his stars and their roles on the team.
It will be interesting to see what a fully-fit Dallas Wings team will look like. And with the recent injury developments, we might be able to see them play against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever on the 13th of July. We know that Arike Ogunbowale is probable for the matchup, but what about former MIP DiJonai Carrington? Well, there have been some positive updates on that front! Let’s find out what the latest news is.
Chris Koclanes inspires hope of a potential return for DiJonai Carrington ahead of Bueckers v Clark matchup
There’s no doubt that DiJonai Carrington changes whatever team she’s a part of. The young guard grabbed headlines last year by making the All-Defensive First Team and by winning the Most Improved Player award. And if a rib injury didn’t keep her minutes short, and her games far and few, she was on track to outdo herself this year as well.
We got news yesterday that Carrington was a ‘non-contact participant’ in Dallas’ practice ahead of the Indiana Fever game. However, a cryptic statement from the Wings head coach during the pre-game media availability hinted at a potential return for the five-foot-eleven guard. “DiJonai is day to day.” Koclanes said right at the start of the media availability.
Jun 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Dallas Wings guard DiJonai Carrington (21) with Paige Bueckers (5) against the Phoenix Mercury at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
When asked whether she’d take the court before the All-Star break, Chris Koclanes had a little grin on his face as he replied. “I’m not sure, leaning on our medical team. But as far as I know? Any day.” So basically, fans should be on the lookout for Carrington’s return to the Dallas Wings lineup, because it’s not far away!
A fully healthy Dallas Wings team has a ton of potential, and we can’t wait to see how they play. Still DiJonai Carrington’s return isn’t confirmed yet, and Arike Ogunbowale has been out for a few games. It’s best to wait and watch what happens, and tune in for the Paige Bueckers vs Caitlin Clark action. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting news!
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