Ever since being chosen as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers has rapidly emerged as the face of the Dallas Wings. More than just a marketable star, she has shouldered the responsibility of leading the franchise from the moment she arrived, proving her intent to be the team’s driving force. That vision is steadily coming to life, as she now sits as the clear favorite for Rookie of the Year honors.
Still, her stellar play hasn’t been enough to lift the Wings out of their struggles. The team has battled inconsistency all season, unable to string together the wins needed to climb the standings and remain in serious playoff contention. Despite Bueckers’ talent and dedication, the Wings’ overall performance has fallen short of expectations.
Dallas’ season has been frustrating at best
Bueckers has given everything she has, but basketball remains a team game — and even the brightest individual performances rarely guarantee consistent wins. Inside the Wings’ locker room, there’s little indication that the group has found the answers to its problems or a clear path toward building better chemistry.
Sitting at 8-22, Dallas holds 12th place in the WNBA standings, well outside the playoff picture. The team continues to prepare intensively for its upcoming rematch with the New York Liberty, set for Friday, August 9 — just four days after their previous meeting.
Bueckers misses practice
On Thursday, the situation took a worrisome turn when reports out of Texas revealed that Paige Bueckers was absent from team practice. Her non-participation immediately fueled speculation about her availability for Friday’s rematch against the New York Liberty — a potential setback that could further derail the Wings’ already challenging season.
Bueckers has been managing lingering back discomfort for some time, holding out hope it wouldn’t interfere with her ability to suit up. Now, that hope is in doubt, with the team taking her status on a day-to-day basis.
In their most recent meeting with the Liberty, Bueckers delivered an impressive performance, recording 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. Should she be sidelined for the upcoming game, Dallas would be without its top performer — a scenario that could prove disastrous.
This season, the rookie sensation has averaged 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game, leading the team in both scoring and assists. She’s also been a defensive factor, contributing 1.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per contest.
Given her production and leadership, news of her absence from practice has sparked concern among fans and analysts alike. The stakes are high, and her health could determine whether the Wings can salvage anything from what has so far been a deeply disappointing campaign.
For now, supporters cling to the hope that Bueckers’ setback is only temporary and that she’ll be cleared to return soon. Her presence isn’t just symbolic — she’s the heartbeat of the team. Without her, Dallas’s uphill climb gets even steeper.
