As their 1-7 record suggests, the Dallas Wings have had a torrid start to a campaign in which they would have hoped to witness their No.1 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, Paige Bueckers, sprinkle her stardust throughout a team that failed to produce many moments of magic in 2024. Unfortunately, it's starting to look like the Wings may have to wait until next year's draft to truly begin to exert their might, and potential No. 1overall pick Lauren Betts might be the missing piece they need.
Despite averaging an impressive 14.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and two steals per game, the former UConn guard has had to settle for a stint on the sidelines for the previous two matchups — versus the Chicago Sky and the Seattle Storm — as Bueckers was placed into a concussion protocol on May 30.
However, Dallas' woes do not solely revolve around the 2025 NCAA champion; first-year head coach Chris Koclane has struggled to implement an effective defensive game plan down the stretch in games, which resulted in his side blowing an 11-point third-quarter lead versus Seattle and succumbing to a gut-wrenching 77-83 defeat.
Currently, the Wings languish in 11th place for defensive rating in the WNBA, scoring 107.1, with only the Sky and the Connecticut Sun sitting below them in the team rankings. At this point in the campaign, a quick-fix trade would be one solution; nevertheless, with a generational talent like Bueckers on the roster, Dallas has the opportunity to build upon their long-term future and keep one eye on the 2026 draft process.
Which NCAA star could manufacture an earth-shattering partnership with the Wings' rookie sensation while establishing elite defensive foundations?
Lauren Betts could be the perfect match for Bueckers
Standing at a towering 6-foot-7, Betts is arguably the most talented player who will be eligible to declare herself for selection in the 2026 WNBA draft. It may seem too early to discuss draft prospects when the current season has so much jeopardy left to unfold, yet this could be too vital a moment to pass up.
Lauren Betts was a two-way phenomenon during the 2024/25 college season, averaging 20.2 points while shooting 64.8% from the floor, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game. The UCLA Bruins star was awarded both the 2025 Defensive Player of the Year and the 2025 Lisa Leslie Center of the Year accolades after her dominant displays on both ends of the floor.
Not only would the 21-year-old elevate the Wings on both sides of the court, but the potential of the devastation a partnership with Buckers would spread fear into the heart of any defense. The former Huskies guard has displayed an extraordinary ability to adapt her skillset to various situations in order to drag her teammates to victory, this would only enhance Betts' frightening offensive capability.
Paige Bueckers and her teammates will refuse to surrender their playoff ambitions this early into the 2025 WNBA campaign; however, the Dallas front office may envisage an opportunity to construct a dynasty that could establish a monopoly on the championship for the foreseeable future.