Paige Bueckers has made a name for herself as one of the best talents in basketball right now. After winning the women’s NCAA championship with UConn in April, Bueckers immediately joined the WNBA when the Dallas Wings drafted her first overall the following week.
Since her WNBA debut last month, the 23-year-old has shown promising signs that she has what it takes to perform in the league. However, she’s missed the Wings’ last four games after being placed in concussion protocol, throwing a wrench into her rookie season.
With Dallas going 1-9 to start the season, a WNBA legend delved into the possible reasoning behind the team’s early struggles.
Lisa Leslie Voices Concerns Over Paige Bueckers and Wings’ Chemistry
On her podcast “Between the Lines with Lisa Leslie,” Leslie recently spoke about how the Wings might be scuffling because of their lack of chemistry.
“I’m a little worried about Dallas. And I guess I should just say, one, it takes time to build chemistry,” Leslie said. “And you don’t only have one new rookie who came in Paige Bueckers, right? You have Paige Bueckers. You also have NaLyssa Smith. You also have DiJonai Carrington. Like, I feel like that’s a lot of different personalities and pieces and a new coach.
“So, listen, I’ve been in all those situations, and I feel like every time we reset, I’m like, ‘Oh gosh, we’re one year further away.’ Just because naturally human beings—you need time for trust, you need time for understanding,” she added.
As a young team with a lot of new pieces, the Wings need time to gel and get comfortable playing with each other.
Leslie also questioned Bueckers’ ability to lead her new team right off the bat.
“Paige is a winner, right? She’s won at every level,” Leslie said. “But she’s a rookie. Can she actually huddle the team and have a voice to lead as a rookie?”
There aren’t many rookies in WNBA history who single-handedly elevated their teams and led them to immediate glory. Caitlin Clark’s rookie season was the exception rather than the rule, but Bueckers’ case might be different.
The young guard may also need some time to figure out how to complement her teammates on the floor. Her numbers indicate that she is performing decently and can improve by collaborating well with her teammates.
Despite Dallas GM Curt Miller’s best efforts to add talented names like Carrington and Smith, the Wings have been disappointing on both ends of the floor and have the worst record in the league.
There’s a chance that Bueckers’ return may not solve their issues. Even head coach Chris Koclanes admitted he’s struggling to get everyone on the same page, which may take more time regardless of how well Bueckers plays.
