The WNBA is buzzing with anticipation as Paige Bueckers, the basketball prodigy, is silently making a statement with her stellar performances in the Unrivaled season. But is the league ready for the impact she's about to have?
Unrivaled has kicked off (https://highposthoops.com/unrivaled-opening-day-made-two-early-title-contenders-painfully-obvious), and Breeze BC is a force to be reckoned with, thanks to the dynamic trio of Bueckers, Malonga, and Brink. Their offensive synergy has fans on the edge of their seats, leaving the Dallas Wings with a clear mission: replicate this success by drafting a center who can complement Bueckers' prowess.
For the second year in a row, the Wings hold the coveted first overall pick in the WNBA draft. After wisely selecting Bueckers in 2025, the franchise now aims to construct a championship-caliber roster around her. UConn fans eagerly anticipate the reunion of Bueckers and her former teammate, Azzi Fudd, in Dallas. However, the front office must prioritize finding a dominant center to pair with the young star.
Dallas finds itself in an enviable position, as it's rare for a team to have a player like Bueckers, who is already a superstar in the making. Her rookie year was impressive, with averages of 19.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals, despite the Wings' modest regular-season record (10-34). But here's the catch: relying solely on one player rarely leads to championship glory, except perhaps in the case of the Las Vegas Aces and A'ja Wilson.
The Wings must construct a team that maximizes Bueckers' scoring and playmaking brilliance. Breeze has demonstrated that pairing her with the right players is the key to success. However, Dominique Malonga and Cameron Brink, two pivotal players in this equation, are currently signed with rival teams.
Dallas can still emulate this winning formula by drafting a center with the physical prowess of Awa Fam or Lauren Betts. With the right partner, Bueckers can not only score effortlessly from anywhere on the court but also execute flawless pick-and-rolls. As seen in Unrivaled, this play can create space for her to score or enable her teammate to penetrate the paint more effectively.
The Dallas Wings now have a clear path to greatness, thanks to the blueprint provided by Breeze. With elite center talent available in the 2026 draft, the franchise has a responsibility to create a lineup that will shake up the entire WNBA. And this is where it gets controversial: is drafting a center the only way to build a championship team around Bueckers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
