Dallas Wins the Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes

[Stagnant]

Paige isn’t going to win the title her first year. Nor would she expect to win the title. I would try it with Arike for a year. If it doesn’t work, then Arike has to go.

And any trade package for Paige would have to include Caitlin Clark or Dallas is definitely losing the trade. I wouldn’t even trade that number one pick for Aja.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

There seems to be a lot of negativity about Arike. But have any of you considered that she dominates the ball for the Wings because she has to? Who else on this team has shown consistency when given an opportunity? I don't think it's an Arike problem as much as a cultural one. When did the Wings possess a winning culture? Have they ever? That's not a player problem, that is ownership, GM, Coaching staff Etc.. I would agree that Paige would be a better fit in LA, even more than D.C. But when it comes to Dallas the issues are much larger than Arike.

I believe Arike will welcome Paige with open arms and finally breathe a sigh of relief. We know what Paige can and will do on any team, and I believe that Arike does as well. I can't wait to see Paige in the W. I believe Paige will be great and will draw even more fans and create more interest in the league.

These are the 6 rosters with Arike (noting players not with the team in 2025 as well as high draft picks — players listed only once):

• 2019: Allisha Gray, Karlie Samuelson, Azura Stevens
• 2020: Moriah Jefferson, Marina Mabrey, Astou Ndour-Fall, Katie Lou Samuelson
• 2021: Dana Evans | Charlie Collier
• 2022:
• 2023: Crystal Dangerfield, Odyssey Sims
• 2024: Natasha Howard#1 | Lou Lopez Senechal

#1: UFA and not considering Dallas.

To say Arike had to play the way she has is a little humorous. Arike is playing the way she has is because she doesn’t know how (or refuses) to play differently.

• And the Dallas franchise has not thought that was a problem, despite team performance.

After 6 iterations, will Arike change in year 7? Not hopeful. Then again, it boggles the mind that there’s even a 7th iteration involving Paige.

 

[cancontent]

I agree that Paige is, or will be, a professional and that we don’t know what Miller and his soon to be named HC have planned for this organization. But make no mistake, Paige will have enormous leverage, particularly if she’s named NPOY again and leads the Huskies to a 12th national championship. Whether she needs or wants to use that leverage is another question.

This attitude/mentality from fans on this board that she should use whatever leverage she has to avoid going to Dallas is what I don't get. When players like Eli Manning, Eric Lindros, John Elway, Jim Kelly, and others have done the same they've been seen as petulant or egotistical for making such demands. Now because of a person UConn fans don't seem to like, it's acceptable?

 

[oldude]

This attitude/mentality from fans on this board that she should use whatever leverage she has to avoid going to Dallas is what I don't get. When players like Eli Manning, Eric Lindros, John Elway, Jim Kelly, and others have done the same they've been seen as petulant or egotistical for making such demands. Now because of a person UConn fans don't seem to like, it's acceptable?

The 4 players you cite were all champions who are revered in their sports. Whatever petulance they demonstrated relative to their draft status was soon forgotten when they achieved success as professionals. Lindros, Elway & Kelly are Hall of Famers. Manning becomes eligible for the HOF in 2025.

The situation in Dallas is a real problem. If I were the new GM, I would reach out to Paige’s agent, behind the scenes, to see what Paige’s thoughts are. With or without Paige, the Wings need to seriously assess whether the future of the franchise is better served without Arike.

 

[fang]

Dallas will likely core Sabally, so she and Seigrist are going to be there with Paige. Those 3 could be the basis for an uptempo offense, but Dallas also needs to get rid of their big, lumbering centers for someone who can keep up. If they were going to get AO out they could bundle her with a big. With the issues of a new coach and rebuilding the team, Miller is going to really earn his salary. Should be a very interesting off season in Dallas.

 

[ConnManFan]

Winning in the W requires lock down defense. Great defense is a much better predictor of success then an explosive offense is. Hopefully Dallas management recognizes this and hires a defense minded coach and realizes thaat the team probably advances quicker by subtracting players who wont play defense.

 

[oldhusky]

It’s something of a “chicken and egg” question. Does Arike dominate the ball in Dallas because she has to or does she dominate the ball because she’s always dominated the ball? What we do know is that in Arike’s 6 seasons the Wings have now fired 3 coaches and a GM, countless players have departed for greener pastures, former top pick Charli Collier is out of basketball and two top veteran players, Sabally & Howard, are free agents.

I think it is both. In my opinion Arike is best on a team that needs a high volume mediocre efficiency type of player. Good player on a bad team, not efficient enough and too much ball hog on a good offensive team. Come to think of it, she might be an interesting player that could create some interest for an expansion team.

There is also the defensive issue, not just that she is not known for her defense, but also she is a SG in a PG body. The reason small SG"s don't work well is not so much on the offensive end as the defensive one. But a small SG can work with a big PG, because on defense they switch roles. Example is Gray and Plum on the Aces.

Although on offense I don't like the potential fit at all, on defense Paige could guard the SG and Arike the PG which hides Arike's defensive issues just a bit, but overall in the long term I don't think there is synergy there.

 

[nickp91]

WNBA can’t lose the Wings and want to bring the Comets back Growing the WNBA in Texas should be a priority

 

[cancontent]

The 4 players you cite were all champions who are revered in their sports. Whatever petulance they demonstrated relative to their draft status was soon forgotten when they achieved success as professionals.

The situation in Dallas is a real problem. If I were the new GM, I would reach out to Paige’s agent, behind the scenes, to see what Paige’s thoughts are. With or without Paige, the Wings need to seriously assess whether the future of the franchise is better served without Arike.

Is a problem I agree, but I disagree that Arike is the core reason why as some are implying in this thread. Even before she was drafted there, the team had their issues. It starts with the front office and their decisions. Similar to Indiana until they hired Dunn. Hopefully, with Miller at the helm the Wings will make better decisions.

 

[oldhusky]

Because Paige is such a ticket seller; I don’t believe any team can afford to trade for the pick. Dallas would have to receive a massive haul for it to be worth it.

That could be. I don't think anybody thought that the Clark effect would be as massive as it was with quantum leaps across the board in attendance and viewership. Paige is being billed as this year's version of that, maybe not to that degree, but still major. It is hard to put a value on a player that has a major impact on revenue, creating brand new fans, but you still get to pay her a low first year salary, even for several years.

The new contract will probably be much better for the players, but Clark's initial contract when all things are considered might be the best value of any contract in the history of professional sports. Some players have turned teams performance around as much, but I can't think of anyone who impacted attendance or viewership, not just for her team, but of the whole league as much as last year.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Dallas is a train wreck. Of course it has plenty of company in that category.

 

[BobbyJ]

This attitude/mentality from fans on this board that she should use whatever leverage she has to avoid going to Dallas is what I don't get. When players like Eli Manning, Eric Lindros, John Elway, Jim Kelly, and others have done the same they've been seen as petulant or egotistical for making such demands. Now because of a person UConn fans don't seem to like, it's acceptable?

In the business world this would be considered being shrewd and assessing where your best opportunities exist. The WNBA is a business where profit and loss is involved. The teams/organizations don’t hesitate to move players in their own best interests so it should work both ways. I wouldn’t waste years of my career in a place I considered a bad situation so I wouldn’t expect anyone else to either. As they say, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.

 

[bschwartz]

 

[Scud49]

https://twitter.com/i/status/1858274377961279814

 

[cancontent]

In the business world this would be considered being shrewd and assessing where your best opportunities exist. The WNBA is a business where profit and loss is involved. The teams/organizations don’t hesitate to move players in their own best interests so it should work both ways. I wouldn’t waste years of my career in a place I considered a bad situation so I wouldn’t expect anyone else to either. As they say, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.

Who has the ability to dictate where they get drafted in today's era of professional sports? Why are we expecting this to be different in the WNBA?

 

[Forego]

it would a much better chance to avoid that by unloading arike.

As I stated in a previous post in a related thread, Arike would be a perfect fit with the Mercury when Diana retires if they want to maintain their team leading number of technical fouls. The only downside to Arike moving to the Mercury is I would feel badly for Sophie Cunningham.

 

[bballnut90]

If I were the Valkeries, I would approach with a different package. Trying to keep next year's number 1 and hoping to get a second big time player to go with Paige, I would offer this year's #5 pick plus two players to be named later from the expansion draft. i think if prearranged, the Valkeries could in essence pick for Dallas, saying here are all the players available, pick two and we will select them and then trade them with the #5 pick for the first pick.

So in effect, trade away a franchise player in Bueckers for a #5 pick (in a draft that isn't very deep) and two left over expansion players? With all due respect, there's zero chance of that happening and Miller would be fired on the spot.

The Wings would be insane to trade away either Paige or Arike without even trying the two together. Paige is an unusually strong #1 draft pick who is likely to be a franchise player, so it'd be a horrible choice to trade her away for almost anyone in the league aside from maybe a Napheesa Collier/Caitlin Clark/A'ja Wilson type of player. And to be honest, those franchises would be crazy to trade any of those players for Paige. She isn't getting traded. And there's no universe where Miller would trade away the #1 pick for any combination of lower picks when Paige is far and away the best prospect in the draft.

Miller should be fired if he trades away Arike for next to nothing, which many are suggesting he does. Arike is the franchise's current marquee player, you don't just dump her out of fear that she wont co-exist well with Bueckers. Paige is about as malleable of a player you'll find and will fit in well alongside Arike in the backcourt. Both have PG/SG skills and can create on their own or for others. It'll be an adjustment for Arike to play alongside her, but they'll likely make a great backcourt together. Perhaps most important, no one is expecting Dallas to be a title contender in 2025 and Arike's contract ends after the season, so at the very least you wait until the first year is done before making any rash decisions instead of just assuming this pairing isn't going to work and dump Arike who has been loyal to Dallas thus far in her career.

 

[Hedge]

This attitude/mentality from fans on this board that she should use whatever leverage she has to avoid going to Dallas is what I don't get. When players like Eli Manning, Eric Lindros, John Elway, Jim Kelly, and others have done the same they've been seen as petulant or egotistical for making such demands. Now because of a person UConn fans don't seem to like, it's acceptable?

Who says it wasn't acceptable? They were able to use the leverage they had to get the best deal from institutions that wouldn't hesitate to put their own interest first to the detriment of a player.

 

[BobbyJ]

Who has the ability to dictate where they get drafted in today's era of professional sports? Why are we expecting this to be different in the WNBA?

I didn't say they necessarily have the ability. But they have the right to try and shouldn't be criticized for looking out for their best interests. Would you draft someone who has privately told you that they don't want to play for your organization? I think I would try to trade the pick in that situation.

 

[Stagnant]

I don’t think Dallas is the worst place to be. They are investing in the franchise, and they have a new practice facility on the way.

One thing though. I hate their uniforms and color scheme. If Paige does well there and elevates the franchise… maybe we can get a rebrand and fix all that? Hopefully.

 

[cancontent]

I didn't say they necessarily have the ability. But they have the right to try and shouldn't be criticized for looking out for their best interests. Would you draft someone who has privately told you that they don't want to play for your organization? I think I would try to trade the pick in that situation.

That's the thing. No one knows for sure this is even an idea in her mind. It's a fan preference/desire at the moment.

 

[ucbart]

I don’t think Dallas is the worst place to be. They are investing in the franchise, and they have a new practice facility on the way.

One thing though. I hate their uniforms and color scheme. If Paige does well there and elevates the franchise… maybe we can get a rebrand and fix all that? Hopefully.

Same. The colors, the mascot, the uniforms, the arena, everything. It's a complete mess.

 

[Dugway]

How many more years is Ogunbowale under contract with the Wings?

 

[hoophuskee]

In the business world this would be considered being shrewd and assessing where your best opportunities exist. The WNBA is a business where profit and loss is involved. The teams/organizations don’t hesitate to move players in their own best interests so it should work both ways. I wouldn’t waste years of my career in a place I considered a bad situation so I wouldn’t expect anyone else to either. As they say, it’s nothing personal, it’s just business.

If this was your life's dream to play in the WCBB market that is growing and you know you vcan expand it further in which you will be competing vs best of the best that you hold in the ulitmate respect you wouldn't consider it a waste to go to Dallas. You'd look at it as a personal challenge and chance to grow the game (just as you had all your life. She's not like a cynical fan- not you personally - but someone with supreme comeptitive beliefs. This is the type of player that came back super fast from injury her soph year and said "I'm different. A player like that doesn't run away. A fan would,- but not a superstar to prove that they are "different.") . As a fan personal challenges and the degree to which the WNBA game is not near what she feels.

Do fans really think if Paige were asked if she could be successful and play whht AO she would say "no?" And no way she doesn't feel she can't turn things around. When you are that great you feel you can do a ton because all your life you proved that you have.

 

[baggerbob]

I have to think that Curt Miller is not stupid. He needs to shed Arike and those lumbering bigs if they are going to turn that team around.

I hope he is smart enough to keep Satou and then build a team around Paige, Satou, and Seigrist.

Otherwise, Paige and her representation need to play hardball and get her out of playing there one way or another.

These are the 6 rosters with Arike (noting players not with the team in 2025 as well as high draft picks — players listed only once):

• 2019: Allisha Gray, Karlie Samuelson, Azura Stevens
• 2020: Moriah Jefferson, Marina Mabrey, Astou Ndour-Fall, Katie Lou Samuelson
• 2021: Dana Evans | Charlie Collier
• 2022:
• 2023: Crystal Dangerfield, Odyssey Sims
• 2024: Natasha Howard#1 | Lou Lopez Senechal

#1: UFA and not considering Dallas.

To say Arike had to play the way she has is a little humorous. Arike is playing the way she has is because she doesn’t know how (or refuses) to play differently.

• And the Dallas franchise has not thought that was a problem, despite team performance.

After 6 iterations, will Arike change in year 7? Not hopeful. Then again, it boggles the mind that there’s even a 7th iteration involving Paige.

Look when a player who has won WNBA championships, says she no longer wants to play for your team, there is a big problem.

 

[hoophuskee]

So in effect, trade away a franchise player in Bueckers for a #5 pick (in a draft that isn't very deep) and two left over expansion players? With all due respect, there's zero chance of that happening and Miller would be fired on the spot.

The Wings would be insane to trade away either Paige or Arike without even trying the two together. Paige is an unusually strong #1 draft pick who is likely to be a franchise player, so it'd be a horrible choice to trade her away for almost anyone in the league aside from maybe a Napheesa Collier/Caitlin Clark/A'ja Wilson type of player. There's no universe where Miller should trade away the #1 pick for any combination of lower picks when Paige is far and away the best prospect in the draft.

Miller should be fired if he trades away Arike for next to nothing, which many are suggesting he does. Arike is the franchise's current marquee player, you don't just dump her out of fear that she wont co-exist well with Bueckers. Paige is about as malleable of a player you'll find and will fit in well alongside her in the backcourt. Both have PG/SG skills and can create on their own or for others. It'll be an adjustment for Arike to play alongside her, but they'll likely make a great backcourt together. Perhaps most important, no one is expecting Dallas to be a title contender in 2025 and Arike's contract ends after the season, so at the very least you wait until the first year is done before making any rash decisions instead of just assuming this pairing isn't going to work and dumping your best player.

I don't follow WNBA much so others can speak of AO. I only know there is no way in hell any trade is worth it to let Paige go other than as you mention another superstar.

 

[Stagnant]

What I do know about Paige is that she is very much a “everything happens for a reason” type of person.

 

[PacoSwede]

... And no way she doesn't feel she can't turn things around. When you are that great you feel you can do a ton because all your life you have.

all you say may be true. relating to paige's take on it: yeah, i wouldn't doubt that is how she sees.

that's really unfortunate, as far as i'm concerned. i really hope some people she trusts would set her straight. ... or maybe she is mature enough now to figure it out herself.

if u have something you've desired your whole life, someone is going to exploit that as a vulnerability in their own interests. i'd tell paige: don't let them. make a deal that's mutually beneficial, don't be swayed by emotion, the yearning to fulfill your dream. you're in a business relationship now! use all the leverage u have.

they want to make it work out as much as you do; realize that and take advantage of that. thus, fairness defeats exploitation.

 

[ConnMotors]

Now, the Mystics should chime in. They have the 4th and 6th pics in this years draft. Offer the Wings both of these picks. Then add the rights to EDD. Plus anyone if their young players except for Edwards

 

[hoophuskee]

all you say may be true. relating to paige's take on it: yeah, i wouldn't doubt that is how she sees.

that's really unfortunate, as far as i'm concerned. i really hope some people she trusts would set her straight. ... or maybe she is mature enough now to figure it out herself.

if u have something you've desired your whole life, someone is going to exploit that as a vulnerability in their own interests. i'd tell paige: don't let them. make a deal that's mutually beneficial, don't be swayed by emotion, the yearning to fulfill your dream. you're in a business relationship now! use all the leverage u have.

they want to make it work out as much as you do; realize that and take advantage of that. thus, fairness defeats exploitation.

What you call "exploitation" imo is that of a fan perspective. The elite superstar calls it a "challenge" because you (the fan) have doubts that she can do it. If you don't have doubts then it can;t be "exploitation."