Dallas Wins the Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Dallas Wins the Paige Bueckers Sweepstakes

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Alydar said:
The correct question is whether the team will allow Arike to be the focus.

Is Jefferson still around? I'd love to see her and Bueckers team up.

I'm also cynical of the draft lottery happening behind closed doors and of the draft itself but that's another issue.

I don't know how well the Wings draw media attention but with the way the Cowboys are playing Bueckers would be a refreshing dose of competency.
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If the WNBA had it's choice she 100% would've ended up in LA over Dallas. Much larger market, an established fanbase and better visibility there. Plus the prospect of having a core of Brink/Rickea/Paige matching up with Indiana's core of Boston/Clark a few years down the road would be can't miss TV.
 
As a Dallas resident I'll be happy to watch Paige in person, however, as a Paige fan, i do think that Dallas is the worst team for her in the whole league due to having ball control Arike in charge. The best thing for Dallas would be to trade Arike and build the team around Paige and Satu.
 
USA Basketball (Olympics) is probably also not thrilled since Paige is most likely a future Olympian. They prefer great guard-great post combos.
  • Paige and Cameron Brink would be a good duo (yeah, I know Napheesa is the lone Lynx Olympian);
  • I think Arike has made herself persona non grata with USA Basketball.
Dallas’ roster is not that bad, if you ignore the glaring Arike black hole.
  • Still, straightjacketing Paige’s star power to Dallas doesn’t do the WNBA-writ-large any favors.
If it has to be Dallas, will Dallas trade Arike?
  • Per Her Hoop Stats, Arike has not been cored and becomes a UFA in 2026.
  • Idk if Dallas is willing not to protect her hoping the Valkyries may bite without requiring Arike to be cored;
  • Idk if any team will bite;
  • Elena did not want to play in Washington, but that was before the firing of the Thibaults.
But I do really^n prefer it is not Dallas, even without Arike. For the good of the sport — Paige’s star power should be elsewhere, preferably LA or the Valkyries.

It’s comforting that UConn only has 12 underclassmen schollies for next year.
  • There’s room for Paige, Azzi and Caroline — pending Agot’s decision.
 
bballnut90 said:
If the WNBA had it's choice she 100% would've ended up in LA over Dallas. Much larger market, an established fanbase and better visibility there. Plus the prospect of having a core of Brink/Rickea/Paige matching up with Indiana's core of Boston/Clark a few years down the road would be can't miss TV.
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bballnut90 - but we all know that the WNBA don't have a say who the Dallas Wings choose. UCONN fans have to come to realization that Paige is NOT going to the LA Sparks
 
dtbtbtb said:
As a Dallas resident I'll be happy to watch Paige in person, however, as a Paige fan, i do think that Dallas is the worst team for her in the whole league due to having ball control Arike in charge. The best thing for Dallas would be to trade Arike and build the team around Paige and Satu.
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Or they could keep Arike and trade the rights to Bueckers for some high quality pieces to put around her and make Dallas an immediate contender (on paper that is).

Right now I would bet against both Bueckers and Arike starting for Dallas next season.
 
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Back in the days when Bill Lambeer was coaching them, as the Detroit Shock, the franchise was a legitimate contender, winning a couple championships. The team moved to Tulsa and wasn’t very good. They moved to Dallas and changed their mascot and haven’t been very good there either.

Since Arike showed up in 2019 their best record is 22-18. 3 times they made it to the playoffs, losing twice in the 1st round and getting swept by the Aces the one time they made it to the 2nd round. The other 3 years, the Wings missed the playoffs with losing records. Last season at 9-31 was their worst by far.

In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.
 
oldude said:
...Gabby did it and came back after a triumphant Olympics performance with her choice of teams in the W.
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I guess that's true, but why on earth if she had her choice of teams would she choose Seattle?
 
oldude said:
In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.
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Paige and Arike do have the potential to be an offensive powerhouse duo, but Paige is gonna have to play defense for both of them since Arike rarely does more than jog back to the defensive end of the court and watch. In reality, nobody knows if Arike can play defense cause she's never tried it.;)

I really hope something better comes along somehow for Paige. Let's keep our hopes up. My money is on an Arike trade... Pretty please!
 
Wings Curt Miller who was announced as new GM on Nov 8. "Miller said the Wings will look to draft, "a culture piece -- someone that's going to add to the locker room is going to be such a big deal. And then it's the partnership with the head coach. I have a new role to really support the head coach, listen to the new head coach on the style and the qualities that they are looking for in players on both sides of the ball and put together the best roster to help that head coach be successful."

As transcendent a player as Paige is, she is an even more of a team builder off the court. I won't be surprised is she is quietly asked her opinion about who she might like to see be the coach. The team is moving to a new arena that seats 10,000 in 2026. Paige will get drafted and will play in Dallas where they will be competing for championships in short order. She will look at this as a positive as should we.
 
oldude said:
Back in the days when Bill Lambeer was coaching them, as the Detroit Shock, the franchise was a legitimate contender, winning a couple championships. The team moved to Tulsa and wasn’t very good. They moved to Dallas and changed their mascot and haven’t been very good there either.

Since Arike showed up in 2019 their best record is 22-18. 3 times they made it to the playoffs, losing twice in the 1st round and getting swept by the Aces the one time they made it to the 2nd round. The other 3 years, the Wings missed the playoffs with losing records. Last season at 9-31 was their worst by far.

In the 6 years Arike has played for the Wings, they’ve burned through 3 HC’s with # 4 to be named for next season. On the WNBA draft pick show, the ESPN analysts were going on and on about why Paige would be a great pick for the Wings by spouting pure fantasy. “The free agents would want to stay and play with Paige, and Arike would play off the ball and be much more effective.”

Arike has been a “ball dominant” player her entire career. She’s had some great games and hit some Big shots. But asking her to play off the ball is like asking a wolf to start eating salad.

Some BY’ers have suggested trading Arike. That’s not a bad idea. Leaving her off the protected roster for the Valkyrie is a bit of a stretch. But maybe there’s a way to promote a trade with the expansion team that would give them someone with star power while they build their franchise.
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I agree with trading AO. Get what they can for her, what good is she to them? They were 9-31 with her so she doesn’t help them win games or sell tickets. With no big money, albatross contract attached to her they’re free to dump her for Bueckers and reset their franchise. They might not get much for her but she wouldn’t be their problem anymore. Nothing to lose and plenty to gain.
 
Something to think about: The WNBA is on a high after last year’s rock-star first pick. Paige is another rock star, and she represents an opportunity for the WNBA to avoid the backslide it’s suffered the last few times it’s seen an upsurge.
 
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Staying at UConn is the worst option; Dallas would be favorites for the Top pick in 2026.
 
Do we know for sure Paige is going to be the #1 pick? I know a lot of mocks have her as the #1 pick but now that Dallas has that spot and LA is 2nd, a lot could happen between now and draft time. Throw in player movement and the behind the curtain wheeling and dealing, throw in players staying in school or going pro, a lot can happen.
 
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.
 
I feared the Wings getting the #1 pick!
Anywhere Arike is a swamp!
Several players have asked for trades away from Dallas, Mabrey, now Howard, and there has been several others!
Almost anywhere else would be better than Dallas' present situation!
 
Paige is not coming back to UCONN.
Paige will not bypass the WNBA, She's a competitor and llike many great competitor players that grew up - it's probbaly her life-long dream to play in WNBA. Especially now with WBB more popular. She is going to want to keep the sport growing as well. Not runaway from challenges.
There is noooooooo wayyyyyyyyyyyy Dallas is going to trade her unless the other team offers their entire team and revenues for next many years. And that has about as much chance happening as me signing a contract to play in the NBA.
 
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Stagnant said:
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.
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Ticket selling is part of it as is in hoop one player affects the outcome of a game so much. This past year in WNBA Stewie and Napheesa. Last year Stewie and Wilson.

There is no logical sense to willingly trade a generational player unless its for another one. The Dallas GM that has taken the job has confidence in his own abilities in which I'm sure when he was interviewed he told the ownner he could get the job done. There is noooo wayyyyy he wouldn't have confidence in his own abilities to build around a generational player.
 
bballnut90 said:
If Paige goes pro next year, is her full 3-4 year rookie contract locked in at 75k/year now? Vs if she waits until 2026, her rookie contract will be on the new negotiated rate (which is expected to be much higher?). Granted it all pales in comparison to the amount she makes from social media, but something to consider for her or in particular players like Harmon/Miles/Fudd who may benefit financially from staying an extra year in college.

Dallas isn't ideal as a landing spot but I also don't see it as a horrible destination. People felt Indiana was a death sentence location 2 years ago and look at the franchise now. Provided she stays healthy, Paige will be great wherever she lands. If she struggles to play alongside Arike, one of them will eventually leave. Arike is a solid passer and a great competitor. Teams will have a nightmare trying to matchup with her/Paige defensively. Most important, she seems thrilled at the prospect of playing with Paige.

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An "interesting" quote form ARIKE in the attachment. see "X" the attachment and @Arike_O.
 
oldude said:
The option of skipping the W to just play overseas is something to consider. Gabby did it and came back after a triumphant Olympics performance with her choice of teams in the W.
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I believe that Seattle owned the rights to Gabby, so she did not have her choice of teams. Paige is 23, so staying in college another year would not help her career in the pros. Overseas, don't think so. BTW, she has already signed up to play in the new Unrivaled league for 2025. Paige can make it work no matter where she is, and yes, even in Dallas with Arike.
 
Bald Husky said:
I believe that Seattle owned the rights to Gabby, so she did not have her choice of teams. Paige is 23, so staying in college another year would not help her career in the pros. Overseas, don't think so. BTW, she has already signed up to play in the new Unrivaled league for 2025. Paige can make it work no matter where she is, and yes, even in Dallas with Arike.
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You are correct, she can make it work anywhere she goes, we're just hoping it isn't with Arike. But if it is with her, Wings management and coaching will have to make the decision very clear on who will be running the team on the floor. If it's Paige, then the Wings will be a treat provided their "bigs" can do the job at both ends of the court and Arike doesn't pout.
 
Ugh! Having recently moved from the Dallas area, this is probably the worst place Paige could go. Nice place to live but women's basketball is not even on the list of top 10 area sports programs. While Paige is a somewhat national brand, considering the relatively low pay scale of women's basketball, from a marketing perspective she would be much better off in almost any of the other large cities. Stars history is one of poor management and coaching, poor fan attendance, and little coverage in the sports media. I wish I could have a more positive view but lived there 10 years and that's the way it is.
 
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TheFarmFan said:
Honestly, she should consider it. IMHO this was the worst outcome for Paige, unless the ownership group gives Miller way more latitude, and they hire the right coach (though really, who?). Paige would have been a terrific fit with Hamby, Brink, and Rickea, and LA desperately needed a distributor who can also score from outside. I just don't see the Paige & Arike show working. Someone tell me why I'm wrong.



This. Think of the deals JuJu has been cutting in LA. No way Paige cares about saving a couple thousand in state income taxes on her measly WNBA rookie scale salary compared to landing several six figure NIL deals in LA.
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Any taxes saved would be relatively immaterial. More importantly, Dallas does not have significant support for women's sports and I doubt Paige would enjoy the lack of local media coverage and the lack of fans. As an example, I was in the stands at a UConn/SMU game where Geno set one of his many records for consecutive wins. UConn was ranked #1 and coming off a Championship season. Several All Americans playing. They were giving away tickets.
 
An observation: the draft isn't until the middle of April. We will know by then if the predicted WNBA workstoppage happens .... another motivation to not declare for the draft?
 
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.
 
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I really don't get how some are thinking Paige will have the ability to demand where she goes during the draft. The days of athletes being able to make demands before they get drafted are long gone. Is this really the UConn way that continues to be preached?

Sure, I get the fact UConn fans aren't high in Arike but no one knows what Miller has planned for this organization. For all we know they could work well together with whatever roster he puts together.

Paige is a professional and will do her best in any situation that's put in front of her. Let's wait until the draft to see what really happens.
 
hipressure said:
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.
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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.
 
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cancontent said:
I really don't get how some are thinking Paige will have the ability to demand where she goes during the draft. The days of athletes being able to make demands before they get drafted are long gone. Is this really the UConn way that continues to be preached?

Sure, I get the fact UConn fans aren't high in Arike but no one knows what Miller has planned for this organization. For all we know they could work well together with whatever roster he puts together.

Paige is a professional and will do her best in any situation that's put in front of her. Let's wait until the draft to see what really happens.
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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.
 
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