The Dallas Wings entered the 2025 WNBA season with a clear mandate to rebound from a dismal previous year. After finishing near the bottom of the league, the franchise made a series of strategic moves that have begun to reshape its identity.
At the center of the overhaul is head coach Jose Fernandez, whose offensive schemes emphasize ball movement and on‑ball decision‑making. Fernandez has handed the ball to Paige Bueckers, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, asking her to orchestrate the offense from the perimeter and the post.
Bueckers, who entered the league with a reputation for scoring brilliance, has had to adjust to a more facilitator‑focused role. Early statistics show a modest rise in assists per game while her turnover rate has slipped, indicating a more measured approach to ball handling.
Her shooting efficiency has also climbed, with both field‑goal and three‑point percentages climbing a full point or two over the first few weeks. The improvement is not just numbers; teammates such as Arike Ogunbowale, Alanna Smith and Alysha Clark have noted a greater sense of rhythm when Bueckers initiates the offense.
A player’s perspective
The roster changes extend beyond the backcourt. The Wings drafted Azzi Fudd, adding another shooting threat, while veteran presence from players like Alanna Smith and Alysha Clark provides stability. Even the coaching staff’s addition of Chris Koclanes brings a fresh analytical perspective. For Bueckers, the transition has been as much mental as physical. She has spoken openly about viewing the challenges of her new role as a catalyst for growth, a mindset that aligns with the team’s broader ambition to compete for a playoff spot.