2016 Record:11-23
Key Offseason Moves:Traded Odyssey Sims and the No. 11 pick in the draft to Los
Angeles in exchange for the Nos. 4 and 23 picks in the 2017 draft Aerial Powers
underwent surgery to repair a hip labrum tear in November
2016 Highlights
Diggin’ In
In 2014, Skylar Diggins averaged 20.1 points and 5.0 assists per game. She was a
true superstar. But an injury derailed her 2015 season, as she only played in
nine games before undergoing knee surgery. Last year, Diggins averaged 13.1
points per game in 27 appearances. If she stays healthy this season, perhaps
Diggins can regain her superstar form and lead the Wings as she did during their
Tulsa days.
Era Of Evelyn
The No. 3 overall pick in the WNBA Draft is primed to make an impact from day
one. Akhator, the highest selected Wildcat in University of Kentucky women’s
basketball history, averaged about 14 points and 10 rebounds in her storied
college career. The 6-3 forward should give the Wings a stronger presence
inside.
Adding An NCAA Champ
The Wings traded guard Odyssey Sims for the No. 4 pick in this year’s draft,
which they used to select Allisha Gray. The 6-foot guard has a championship
pedigree after leading her team to the NCAA title earlier this month. Gray
averaged roughly 13 points, five rebounds and three assists per game this past
season at South Carolina, and she should be able to boost the Wings from the
get-go.
The Big 3
In addition to Akhator and Gray, Dallas boasts a trio of returning players that
it will rely heavily upon this season. Both Glory Johnson and Skylar Diggins
have missed significant time in recent years due to pregnancy (Johnson) and
injury (Diggins), while Aerial Powers is still recovering from offseason hip
surgery. If all three can get on the court together, the Wings have a solid core
to build on.
Power From Above
Look for Powers to make a significant leap in her second season. The 6-foot
forward averaged more than 10 points off the bench during her rookie campaign
despite seeing less than 20 minutes of action per night. With additional minutes
and responsibility this season, Powers is primed to exert an even bigger impact.
