Five Players the Dallas Wings Could Draft on Monday
The Dallas Wings have a chance to improve their roster on Monday when the WNBA draft takes place. So, what might they do?
The Dallas Wings are coming off a historic season. Last year, the team advanced to the second round of the WNBA playoffs for the first time since becoming the Wings. Dallas eventually fell to the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces.
However, with the loss, the Wings are an upcoming team destined for success. Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally helped Dallas reach new heights, as they were named 2023 All-Stars. Sabally was also named to the All-WNBA First Team.
Other players like Teaira McCowan and Kalani Brown also stepped up last season. McCowan averaged a season-high 11.9 points per game last season. Brown also improved as her production increased due to her playing time, leading to a multi-year deal in the offseason to return to the Wings. Both players became the team’s anchor down low.
Yet, the Wings took a step up without players like Lou Lopez-Sénéchal and Stephanie Soares out due to injury. This means having both players back could help the team develop even more. Lopez-Sénéchal is a lethal shooter who can help the Wings come playoff time as they ranked in the bottom of the league in three-point percentage. Soares provides depth for McCowan and Brown.
Another way the Wings can improve is through the draft. The WNBA draft is Monday, and Dallas has two top-ten selections. The team will look to improve their roster even more, as they hope to build around their young core.
Here are five possible options for the Wings to draft:
Rickea Jackson
A 6’2” forward who could help provide versatility to Dallas is Rickea Jackson. The Tennesse senior is a dangerous scorer who can attack in different ways.
Jackson isn’t afraid to drive to the rim. She can use her quickness to drive inside and get past defenders. Jackson can also pull up for a mid-range shot.
Last season, she averaged 20.2 points per game while shooting above 48.5 percent from the floor. Jackson had her best performance during the NCAA tournament. Against North Carolina State, she had 33 points and 10 rebounds.
Her aggressive style and shot creation could help the Wings in close situations. It would give the team an extra scorer and allow them to adjust their rotation.
While she is expected to go at four to the Los Angeles Sparks, Jackson would still be a viable option if she fell to the Wings.
Jacy Sheldon
Jacy Sheldon is a 5’10” savvy guard who can get it done on both sides.
Last season, she averaged a career-high 50.5 percent shooting. She also poured in 17.8 points per game. Her three-point shooting drastically improved, as she saw a 14 percent increase.
However, her best work comes on the defensive side. She has been named to the Big 10 All-Defensive team twice.
Sheldon is a hard-nosed defender who isn’t afraid to pocket her opponents. Last season, she averaged 1.9 steals per game. The year prior, she tallied a career-high 3.9 steals. On January 11th against Rutgers, she had a season-high eight steals.
Adding her to the Wings’ roster would give Dallas another guard who can come off the bench and provide stops down the stretch.
Aaliyah Edwards
Aaliyah Edwards is the one player everyone has Dallas drafting. The Huskies forward is a near-double-double machine who does a little bit of everything.
Last season, the 6’3” forward averaged 17.6 points per game and 9.2 rebounds. During the final four, Edwards vital performer for UConn. She had 17 points, eight rebounds, and five steals in her final performance.
Edwards does a great job reading defenders and finding opportunities to get easy buckets.
One thing she struggles with though is her ability to stay out of foul trouble. In her final three games, she averaged three or more fouls.
Otherwise, she has the potential to become a top scorer in the WNBA. She averaged 59.3 percent shooting in four seasons with the Huskies. Edwards does most of her work inside the paint and isn’t afraid to back down defenders.
Angel Reese
They say everything is bigger in Texas right? Why not swing for the fences and draft LSU star Angel Reese? The 2023 NCAA champion fits all the intangibles to complement Arike Ogunbowale and Satou Sabally.
Last season, she averaged a double-double with 18.6 points per game and 12.3 rebounds. Standing at 6’3”, Reese is interchangeable between the power forward and small forward position at the next level.
She is a great defender who can use her size to block shots down low, or even force steals. Reese averaged a career-high 1.9 steals in her final year with LSU.
If Dallas were to draft Reese, she could help provide size next to Sabally. She would help provide a distraction for defenders inside. One thing that stands out is her ability to attack inside. Reese can use her quickness to drive inside and get easy buckets.
So, why not take a chance on Reese and see what all the hype is about?
Alissa Pili
Another scoring option for the Wings is 6’2” forward Alissa Pili. The former Utah star fits all the intangibles Dallas is looking for.
Pili is a highly prolific scorer who isn’t afraid to score inside.
In contrast to Angel Reese and Rickea Jackson, Pili can score at a high rate. Whether inside the paint or from the top of the key, Pili isn’t afraid to let it rain.
One thing that stands out is her ability to shoot the ball. Last season, she shot 55 percent from the floor, and 40.4 percent beyond the arc. Her three-point shooting is something the Wings could use.
Last season, Dallas ranked last when it came to long-range conversions. So, imagine a lineup where Arike or Satou are attacking the rim and Pili is open in the corner for the three.
Some strengths include her ability to handle the ball and post up inside. She can use her size and skills to work inside or spot up for an open attempt.
Dallas is expected to draft Pili with the ninth pick. Assuming this happens, Wings fans could be in for a surprise.
Dallas has plenty of options come Monday. We will have to wait and see what the Wings decide to do once the time on the clock begins.