DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran’s Vision
- The Talent Magnet: Alanna Smith’s decision to join Dallas was fueled by the “young core” and the retention of Arike Ogunbowale and Maddy Siegrist. Her assessment that it is “hard to guard one person” when talent is spread across all five spots highlights the offensive gravity the Wings now possess with Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers in the backcourt.
- A High-Usage Pivot: Trading her specialist role in Minnesota for a “higher usage” mandate in Arlington shows Smith’s confidence in her own evolution. She isn’t just coming to Dallas to defend; she’s coming to grow her game alongside the league’s most exciting young core. Jose Fernandez noted she was specifically “attracted to” this expanded utility.
- Chemistry as a Catalyst: Her Mist BC connection with Li Yueru and Arike Ogunbowale from Unrivaled provides a foundation that usually takes months to build. Smith’s belief that this pre-existing chemistry will “go a long way” is a key indicator of how quickly the new system might click.
- Frontcourt IQ: By labeling Jessica Shepard as “one of the most underrated players in the league,” Smith is signaling that the Wings‘ frontcourt will be as much about high-IQ facilitation and “playing in space” as it is about scoring.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Alanna Smith signed with the Dallas Wings this offseason after earning WNBA Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors with the Minnesota Lynx, and the seven-year veteran said the combination of the Wings’ young core, her familiarity with multiple teammates, and the chance to take on a larger offensive role made Dallas the right fit.
The 6-foot-4 forward spoke with the media after Day 1 of training camp Sunday in Arlington, discussing her decision to join the Wings, the expanded role first-year head coach Jose Fernandez has outlined for her, and her early impressions of Dallas.
What Drew Her to Dallas
Smith, who averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 2025, said the Wings’ young core and the retention of key returners stood out to her in free agency.
“I liked the young core. I think they’ve got a lot of talent,” Smith told Dallas Hoops Journal. “And then also bringing back players like Arike and Maddy as well. I think we’ve got a bright future ahead.”
The excitement goes both ways. Dallas second-year guard Paige Bueckers, speaking separately after Day 1, pointed to Smith’s signing as a centerpiece of the Wings’ offseason and framed the overall roster construction as a meaningful step forward.
“I’m super excited. We got a lot of great pieces in free agency. We added Azzi through the draft and have training camp additions,” Bueckers said. “We have a lot of versatility offensively and defensively, shooting, length, aggressive defensive mentality. We have a Defensive Player of the Year-type presence, and Jess is one of the best playmakers in the league at the four. Bringing back Arike and having those core pieces with great additions, it’s really exciting.”
Smith’s familiarity with several teammates also factored in. She played with Arike Ogunbowale and Li Yueru at Unrivaled on Mist BC and has crossed paths with Bueckers on the floor.
“When you know people’s games, it helps a lot. Basketball is about chemistry and how you play with your teammates,” Smith said. “I’ve had the privilege of playing with Li and Arike before, and I’ve watched and played against Paige as well. So you’re already building that chemistry, which I think is going to go a long way.”
Smith also spoke highly of the backcourt depth she’s walking into. With a perimeter that boasts Bueckers, Ogunbowale, and now Azzi Fudd, there is no shortage of talent that defenses have to account for, leaving opportunities for Smith to make them pay.
“Super talented, especially through our guard spots. It’s going to make my life a lot easier,” Smith told Dallas Hoops Journal. “When you have talent across all five spots on the floor, it’s hard to guard one person. Not only are those players going to thrive, but it’s going to make me better as well.”
Her first impressions of the city have also been positive.
“I haven’t spent a lot of time down here, so I’m excited. I’ve heard really good things. I love going out to eat and drinking coffee, so I’ll be running around to restaurants and cafes,” Smith said. “I’ve been here a day, and it’s already been great, so I’m excited to stack the days.”
Setting the Standard on Day 1
Smith said the opening session of camp focused on establishing expectations that the group plans to carry forward through the season.
“I think today was just a day to set standards and do a lot of learning, which I think everyone did a really good job of soaking up. Just being professionals today,” Smith said. “We’re trying to carry that on throughout the entire season.”
Smith did not go live on Day 1 after arriving from travel, but Fernandez said she integrated well into the installation work without contact.
“She didn’t go live today, she just got back traveling, but in all the stuff we put in offensively and in half-court three-on-three and four-on-four, she went no contact and adjusted well,” Fernandez said.
An Expanded Offensive Role
Smith built her career in Minnesota primarily as a defensive anchor, earning Co-Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2025 alongside Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson. In Dallas, Fernandez confirmed that her offensive responsibilities will grow.
“There’s going to be a higher usage without a doubt,” Fernandez said. “I think she was attracted to what we talked about, how we’re going to play and how she was going to be utilized.”
Smith said the role shift is something she welcomed at this point in her career.
“I’m excited. It’s going to be a fun change of roles and something different for me, which I look forward to,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a challenge, which I’m really excited for at this point in my career. I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m going to learn, I’m going to grow, it’s going to be great.”
Fernandez said Smith’s defensive versatility remains a key part of her value to the roster.
“I thought we did a really, really good job in free agency. We added pieces that were needed in roster construction,” Fernandez said. “I look forward to coaching her because she disrupts stuff, she’s long, and late clock situations, where you can switch and track and do different things; she’s going to be fun to coach.”
Reuniting With Jessica Shepard
Smith also offered a scouting take on incoming teammate Jessica Shepard, whom she played with in Minnesota and is set to arrive in camp after her overseas season. Last season, Shepard averaged 8.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 40 games, while shooting 63.8% from the floor.
“Jess is one of the most underrated players in the league. Her IQ and the way she can play in space is unbelievable,” Smith said. “She’s going to bring that to this team, along with the ability to distribute and score for herself. She had a triple-double with Minnesota last year, and I think she can get multiple of those in a season. I’m really excited for her, I think this is a great place for her.”
Smith will get her first chance to play in a Wings uniform in the team’s preseason opener against the Indiana Fever on April 30 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Training Camp Day 1 Recap: Jose Fernandez Sets Tone With ‘No-BS’ Culture
- ‘She Better Shoot The Damn Ball’: Jose Fernandez Challenges Azzi Fudd On Day 1 Of Training Camp
- ‘Some Super Big Moves’: Aliyah Boston Praises Dallas Wings’ Free Agency, Azzi Fudd Draft Pick
- Dallas Wings Announce 2026 Training Camp Roster: 22 Players Set, Five Late Arrivals
- ‘Landed Where I Was Meant to Be’: Azzi Fudd Introduced By Dallas Wings, Embraces New Journey
- Exclusive: Curt Miller On The ‘New-Look’ Dallas Wings, Frontcourt Chemistry, And Azzi Fudd’s Elite Ceiling
- ‘We’ve Known For A Little While’: Greg Bibb On Why Azzi Fudd Was The Only Choice For Dallas
- ‘She Was The Right Fit’: Jose Fernandez And Curt Miller Detail Drafting Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings’ Free Agency Moves
