Can the Dallas Wings Take the Next Step to Get Over Playoff Woes?
With another early exit, what could be next for Arike Ogunbowale and the Dallas Wings?
Over the past two seasons, the Dallas Wings have failed to make it past the first round of the playoffs. Some issues include their inability to score points, play defense, and stay healthy.
During their series against the Connecticut Suns, the team struggled to score more than 70 points in their two playoff losses. In game 1 the Wings 68 points to the Suns 98, and in game 3 they tallied a mere 58 points.
One key issue was the absence of all-star Arike Ogunbowale. For the season, she averaged 19.7 points on 40 percent shooting. However, her season was derailed, as she suffered an avulsion fracture.
So what’s next season for the young team? How can they get over the playoff hump?
For starters, the team must find an extra scorer alongside Ogunbowale.
In the playoffs, Dallas failed to find a consistent scorer who could replicate Ogunbowale’s 19-point average. At times, it would be Alisha Gray or Kayla Thorton, and Marina Mabrey stepping up to the plate, but not one consistent individual.
Some options for free agency options include Emma Meesseman and Courtney Vandersloot. Last season, Meesseman averaged 12.4 points for the Chicago Sky. During the playoff,s she dropped in 11 points on 47 percent shooting.
Pairing her alongside Teaira McCowan (assuming she is resigned) would give Dallas two solid big options, with an extra scorer who could produce down low.
As for Vandersloot, her veteran leadership would come in handy. Over the past five seasons, the 11-year guard has gone on to average 12.5, 11.2, 13.6, and 10.5 points.
Along with that, her resume includes being a four-time all-star and 2021 WNBA champion. Her presence alone would allow the team to space the floor and allow Ogunbowale to work off the ball.
However, before signing a free agent the Wings must decide if they can resign Mabrey and McCowan.
Mabrey proved to be a reliable scoring option last season, as she averaged 13.6 points per game. In Game 3 against the Suns, she dropped in 20 points on 50 percent. The problem is her ability to keep control of the ball. During the playoffs, she combined for 14 turnovers. If she can learn to work on keeping the ball away from the team and becoming a true second option, then she could become the Wings’ second option.
McCowan on the other hand deserves a contract extension. In her first season with Dallas, she averaged 11 points and seven rebounds. During August. she had her best performance as she tallied four double-doubles.
Assuming Dallas resigns both players, it would allow the team to grow under a new head coach, as Vickie Johnson was released from her contract.
Some bright spots this season include their 43 percent field goal percentage (which was eight in the league), and 82.9 points per game average (the league’s fourth-best).
If the team plays their cards right, they can be back into playoff contention next season. Getting out of the first round will be the biggest hurdle.
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