Sitting at a league-worst 9-24, the Dallas Wings’ postseason dreams are all but gone. Now it’s become less about chasing a berth and more about playing spoiler. And spoiler, they were in their latest outing—stunning the Fever 81-80. But while the scoreboard read “Wings win,” the fanbase wasn’t exactly popping champagne. Being a ‘great communicator and experienced winner’ for which Chris Koclanes was hired, those wins hardly scream success. So the dissatisfaction has been loud. And if the last win had earned him any points, his recent remarks might just undo.
Dallas’ last game against the Fever marked Maddy Siegrist’s first start since June 6, and she erupted for 22 points, tying her career high. That came with Arike Ogunbowale sidelined with a right knee injury. So when Siegrist performed that well, reporters couldn’t help but ask Koclanes after a recent practice if the young forward had earned a permanent starting role.
The HC had an abrupt but honest response. “Nothing is off the table. Still trying to figure out who our best group to start with,” he shared. Yes, with 11 games left.
That has been Coach Koclanes’ approach all season long, though. While Paige Bueckers has made standout efforts, the supporting cast has yet to deliver consistent production. Including Ogunbowale herself, the inconsistencies, or rather the flashes of brilliance, have been a thing for Dallas. “It’s different every night,” he’d had said back in early July, emphasizing the team’s competitive depth. So it has depended on the matchups for the coach, repeating, “You just never know.”
May 27, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Dallas Wings head coach Chris Koclanes watches from the sideline as they take on the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Moreover, the roster has been in flux as DiJonai Carrington and NaLyssa Smith were both traded before August 7, while Li Yueru was added midseason on June 14, and Grace Berger came aboard even more recently. So the fast pace and moderate offense have been undermined by poor defense and a lack of cohesion as Wings give up an average of 81.6 points per game (9th of 13 teams) while allowing 86.5 points per game (12th of 13), resulting in a –6.2 net rating, 11th in the league.
With Paige Bueckers on board, it was expected to be a turnaround from previous season’s disaster for Dallas. “No. 1 pick in the 2025 draft. It’s truly an exciting time,” Curt Miller had rejoiced. But as the season progressed, it failed to live up to the hype around the generational talent. A rookie campaign for ages was turning into one to forget. The UConn alumna has been doing her part, leading the team, the rookie class, and meeting the elites on record lists. But the coach hasn’t really lived up — the above remarks adding to the case. So, the sympathies have been poured in for Paige all season long.
Agitated fans back up Paige Bueckers throughout the season
Chris Koclanes entered the season to take his first-ever gig as a head coach. Considering the pivotal point that Dallas was at, the move was a bit of a head scratcher. But when the team started the season 1-11, the worst of it hit the fans. “Seeing chris koclanes coach for the dallas wings made me take geno for granted cause what the absolute hell is this man doing,” one of them voiced.
5 years under a legend like Geno Auriemma, really shaped the journey for Bueckers– Final Four in her freshman year, multiple national awards, All-team selections, and a championship to cap it off. Now watching it go downhill in the very first year hasn’t been a pretty sight for fans.
“Chris Koclanes coaching Paige Bueckers is like putting me behind the wheel of a Formula 1 Ferrari,” another one declared. The 23-year-old is currently averaging 18.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals. She’s leading Dallas in all those categories but rebounds. Moreover, rookie year records have come in abundance for the guards:
Fastest rookie to record 450+ points, 100+ assists and 100+ rebounds
Ranking top 10 in points, assists, and steals per game
First to score in double figures in her first 20 career games
Rookie record for 250 career points in just 13 games
The list is only growing. And when the fans caught her with a confused look while Koclanes was drawing a play, it only added to the fire. “He cannot be the coach next season with Paige!! Get her a coach and players around her that fit, some shooters and Dallas will be competing for championships!” came a comment.
As evident, Paige has been doing much of the heavy lifting for Dallas the whole season. And to add to the concern, she played for 32 minutes in the game against the Mystics having only returned after pulling her back muscle. Koclanes has even noted the expectations thrown at her. “And with Arike out, she shouldered such a load. You know that gets to you when we’re asking you to make play after play after play,” he admitted after win over the Fever. But fans were not on board with it.
“Having a back injury and then deciding to play her 32 minutes is egregious. But Dallas Wings’ coach doesn’t care for Paige, so I don’t expect any less,” one of them posted. So for a few, it’s a ‘what if’ scenario involving Paige and the Valkyries. Even when the young guard was adorning Huskies #5, call was for Paige to Golden State. She had herself teased the combination often, choosing it for a preferred destination and noting lavender to be her color. But that did not transpire, and fans feel the sting.
“Valkyries have experienced Vets that stick to the plan, A coach that can run plays, Good Defense…Paige we could’ve had it all..” another expressed. The Valkyries have indeed been having a better season than anticipated for an expansion team. With a 17-15 record, they are even in line to clinch a playoff spot while coach Natalie Nakase is in Coach of the Year conversations.
So the voices are loud for Coach Koclanes to be replaced for the upcoming year. But will Curt Miller takes the calls into account? It remains to be seen.
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