Nepotism. You’re probably wondering why we’re throwing that word around in the context of the Dallas Wings, right? Well, while the No. 1 pick was supposed to be the defining narrative for this team, somehow, this word has taken over the storyline. All thanks to head coach Chris Koclanes. The first-year coach – also a close friend of GM Curt Miller – was expected to spark a new era in Dallas. But with the early-season struggles…let’s just say the warm welcome turned into icy backlash real quick. And now, even as the Wings start finding some rhythm, Koclanes is getting anything but credit.
In fact, he’s drawing even more questions.
After a brutal seven-game losing streak, the Wings have finally started notching some wins. Even when they lose, they’re going down swinging. On the second night of a back-to-back, with only eight active players and rookie superstar Bueckers sidelined with right knee soreness, Dallas put together arguably their best first half of the season.
If this wild ride of a Wings season has taught us anything, it’s that volatility is their middle name. They built a 21-point lead against the Mystics and managed to hang on for a 79-71 win at College Park Center. It was the perfect bounce-back after Friday’s loss to the Fever, one that started flat and ended in frustration. Same story when they last faced the Mystics in a 91-88 OT heartbreaker. But they got their revenge this time.
Yet… is anyone shouting out Coach K for it? Not even a whisper. Why? Well, let’s take a look at what he had to say postgame. “I’m searching still, we are searching still for what our identity is as a team…. I keep talking about our competitive depth… you have to do what you have to do to get wins in this league. We’ll continue to get better and better,” he said.
Chris Koclanes on Dallas Wings identity
“I’m searching still, we are searching still for what our identity is as a team….I keep talking about our competitive depth…you have to do what you have to do to get wins in this league. We’ll continue to get better and better.”
— Moreau Sports Media Prod Co. (@MoreauSportsCo) June 29, 2025
That doesn’t exactly sound like a coach in control, does it? The Wings are building around Bueckers, sure. But they’ve yet to settle on a clear rotation, a steady starting five, or even a consistent approach. And when you don’t have that? It all circles back to the coach. When Koclanes talks about still searching for identity, it raises more questions than it answers. It’s obvious the players are doing everything they can to support each other. The effort is there. But the real concern is whether that coach-player trust is still solid.
Remember when Arike Ogunbowale kind of… sidestepped a question about him? She later gave props to an assistant coach instead. Or that press conference when Koclanes was asked a totally fair question about closing games better and instead of answering, he delivered a vague speech about team camaraderie? DiJonai Carrington’s reaction said it all: a raised eyebrow, a side-eye, and a little smirk that went viral. Also, don’t forget that moment during a game when Koclanes didn’t challenge a call and Nai was caught in a heated exchange with him on the bench.
This is all fishy, to say the least.
But now, coach is admitting himself, “I’m not perfect. It’s getting better from game to game and it’s going to change each game… those are things you don’t know until you live through and feel them. I watch every game back of course and be the most critical of myself… just trying to control as much as I can for them… because so much of this game is out of your control.”
So sure, he’s trying. But trying might not be enough when you’re under the microscope in a league that’s growing by the day. The Wings need to turn this current momentum into a real winning streak. Because the frustrations weren’t just about his in-game decisions. Fans have pointed out how invisible he seems during games, while assistant coach Nola Henry is the one actually leading on the sidelines.
Even WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes didn’t hold back, indirectly or directly, take it how you want. She questioned the hiring and pointed fingers at the friendship between Koclanes and Miller. In her eyes, some of the blame lies with the GM too. So now the question is – was there a better option out there? Could the Wings have gone in a different direction altogether?
Well, a lot of fans (and Swoopes) seem to think so.
Did the Dallas Wings miss out on Lisa Leslie?
Fans do feel hopeful but wave of “what ifs” keeps crashing in and this time, it’s coming with the weight of a WNBA legend’s name: Lisa Leslie. Rumors have been swirling for a while, but WNBA icon Sheryl Swoopes added more weight to it. She revealed that Lisa Leslie had actually thrown her name in for two WNBA head coaching jobs recently.
“Rumor is one of those was Dallas,” Swoopes said. “I have no idea what jobs they are because I haven’t talked to her about it. But when you have someone like Lisa Leslie, I don’t know why you said no, but you said no.” She made a solid point too. “Maybe you’ve been an assistant coach for 20 years. That doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a better coach than I would be or than Lisa would be… That one is such a mind-boggling thought to me,” Swoopes added. She pushed for something many players have echoed: the importance of having a coach who’s been in their shoes. Someone who gets the grind. Look at Dawn Staley, Becky Hammon, Stephanie White – all former players now thriving as coaches.
Could Leslie have been that for Dallas?
Well, she is already worried about how the Wings are operating despite no ties. On her podcast Between the Lines, she recently commented on Dallas’ bumpy start, pointing fingers at the lack of chemistry and connection in the locker room. Her biggest concern was whether Paige Bueckers, the No. 1 pick, is being asked to lead too much too soon. “Paige is a winner… but she’s a rookie. Can she actually huddle the team and have a voice to lead as a rookie?” It’s a fair point. History tells us that rookie-led turnarounds are rare.
May 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in action during the game between the Dallas Wings and the Seattle Storm at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
But, for now, Bueckers is exactly doing that for Wings. She is doing everything she can to hold it down. Not just her. In their latest win, it was Aziaha James and JJ Quinerl – two other rookies – carried the load, showing that maybe it’s a rookie show for Dallas. But back to Leslie, this shows that she is still watching. She knows the mindset, the pressure, and what it takes.
Which makes us wonder: Did the Wings choose the wrong leader?
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