The Dallas Wings have not had the season fans hoped for. Plagued by injuries, inconsistencies, and ultimately trades with a focus on adjusting the rebuild, the team has struggled to find a rhythm. But amidst a turbulent season, Maddy Siegrist has returned from an extended injury to provide a hopeful look at what next season could be like.
While their August 12 victory over the Indiana Fever was a rollercoaster given the 17-point lead the Wings conceded near the end, Siegrist's career-high 22-point performance after being inserted into a starting role, hinted at something more exciting. Could she be part of the core the Wings need as they look toward a more promising future?
The Siegrist we've been waiting for
Maddy Siegrist is not a fluke. The former Villanova standout and Big East scoring record holder in both men’s and women’s basketball has been steadily developing her game. Her dominant run to the Athletes Unlimited championship earlier this year showed off her massive potential. In the AU league's unique, player-drafted format, Siegrist thrived, showcasing her scoring prowess and leadership, and ultimately amassing a record-breaking point total of 7,052 points to win the championship.
That experience, where she was consistently relied upon as a primary option, seems to have ignited a new level of confidence that is now translating onto the WNBA court, with the caveat being when she’s able to stay healthy. Siegrist's growth has been evident in her ability to expand her game beyond the low post, a skill she's been working on since entering the league.
The dynamic duo with Paige Bueckers
What makes Siegrist's emergence so intriguing is her connection with rookie Paige Bueckers. The two, once fierce rivals in the Big East, now show a promising on-court synergy as teammates. Against the Fever, Wings’ fans could see this partnership grow when Bueckers' court vision found Siegrist open on multiple occasions, including a crucial three-pointer that shifted the momentum.
Siegrist's ability to stretch the floor with her improved three-point shooting (a career-high three makes in the game) creates key spacing for Bueckers to operate in, whether she's driving to the basket or finding open teammates. This inside-out threat could become a key part of the offense for seasons to come, without already factoring in Arike Ogunbowale and a potential lottery pick set to arrive.
A new core takes shape
While Arike Ogunbowale has had an inconsistent season, hampered by injuries, her importance to the franchise remains clear. The star guard is set to become a free agent this offseason, but General Manager Curt Miller has indicated that Ogunbowale would play a key role in recruiting other free-agent talent, underscoring her status as a foundational piece and leader for the Wings' future with Bueckers. Siegrist's performance suggests she's not just temporary and instead, she's demonstrating the potential to be a crucial third piece in a dynamic offensive trio.
Her versatility allows her to score in a multitude of ways, alleviating pressure on both Ogunbowale and Bueckers and making the Wings a far more unpredictable team to defend. The key for Siegrist will be for her to continue to be healthy and a consistent scoring threat when she is on the floor. The Wings' rebuilding efforts have been a work in progress, marked by trades and a focus on acquiring young talent and draft picks. In Siegrist and Bueckers, they appear to have found two young, foundational pieces who complement each other's games perfectly.
Looking ahead to a brighter future
While this single victory definitely doesn't erase the struggles of the season, Maddy Siegrist's breakout performance provides a genuine reason for optimism. Her confident play, her undeniable on-court chemistry with Paige Bueckers, and her proven ability to thrive in a leadership role all point to a player ready to take the next step. This performance suggests the Wings have found a vital piece of their puzzle, a player whose development, in partnership with Bueckers, could fundamentally change the team's trajectory.
The question now is whether the Wings can build on this spark and solidify this promising new core. A team with a foundation of three star scorers, smart free-agent signings, and a top lottery pick would provide fans with a compelling reason to believe the Wings are finally building a contending roster for the future.