‘There Will Be Big Minutes’: Dallas Wings to Lean on Diamond Miller, Maddy Siegrist After DiJonai Carrington Trade
With DiJonai Carrington no longer in the fold, the Dallas Wings are looking to Diamond Miller to anchor a reshaped wing rotation built on size, versatility, and pace.
Miller’s arrival brings a unique skill set that head coach Chris Koclanes believes will elevate the team’s style of play. At 6-foot-3, Miller offers the ability to defend multiple positions, attack downhill in transition, and space the floor — a combination the Wings plan to leverage as they adjust to Carrington’s departure.
“Her size and athleticism, number one, but her speed up and down the floor too,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She plays downhill, puts pressure on the rim and the paint. If we can create the right space, she’ll find opportunities to attack closeouts and get to the rim. That’d be great.”
Miller has appeared in 25 games this season, shooting a career-best 53.8 percent from three-point range while maintaining her physical defensive presence. The Wings view her as a two-way contributor who can shift between the two and three spots in larger lineups while fitting seamlessly into small-ball combinations.
“She’s an unbelievable athlete,” Maddy Siegrist told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I think she’ll bring a lot of versatility to our team, defensively and offensively. Excited to get her here.”
Haley Jones echoed the enthusiasm, citing Miller’s flexibility to impact every area of the game.
“Yeah, another long, versatile player,” Jones told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “She can score from all three levels. She’s a really physical defender, too. We’re excited to have her and to have her do a lot of different things.”
Maddy Siegrist, Diamond Miller Set to Provide a Boost
Carrington’s minutes will be redistributed primarily among Miller, Siegrist, and Aziaha James. Koclanes anticipates a blend of big-wing and guard-heavy combinations, but Miller and Siegrist are expected to see most of the starting and closing minutes at the wing positions.
“Maddy, right? There’s a spot right there for her as a wing,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “And when Diamond gets here, there will be big minutes for those two as big wings. They’re very different in terms of their skill sets, so that’s good.”
Returning from injury, Siegrist will be eased back on a minutes restriction but is projected to reclaim a significant role as a floor-spacer and offensive rebounder.
Aziaha James will also see her responsibilities grow, particularly on the defensive end. Koclanes views James as a player who can replicate Carrington’s energy and intensity, while benefiting from the additional game experience.
“Aziaha—more opportunity for her to play through some mistakes and get more experience competing defensively,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com.
Dallas Wings Committed to Size and Pace in New Lineups
The Wings’ overarching vision is to deploy bigger lineups with wings who can defend across multiple positions and push the pace offensively. Miller’s ability to initiate offense after defensive rebounds and thrive in up-tempo settings fits Koclanes’ desired style.
“We can have some big wings out there with our smaller fours, and you can look at some switching lineups,” Koclanes told DallasHoopsJournal.com. “I like the speed we should be able to generate—playing up and down, playing faster and freer.”
As Dallas reasserts its identity, Miller’s arrival signals a clear shift towards a lineup philosophy built on athleticism, length, and versatility across the perimeter.
More Dallas Wings News & WNBA Rumors
- WNBA News: “We’re Easing Her Back”: Maddy Siegrist Expected to Play vs. New York Liberty, Faces Minutes Restriction
- WNBA News: Dallas Wings Trade DiJonai Carrington to Minnesota Lynx, Waive Teaira McCowan
- WNBA News: “We’re Focused on Us”: Dallas Wings’ Chris Koclanes Unfazed by DiJonai Carrington Trade Rumors
- WNBA News: “We Need to Match That Physicality”: Paige Bueckers Scores 22 as Dallas Wings’ Late Rally Falls Short Against Indiana Fever
- WNBA News: “Just Trying to Find That Balance”: Paige Bueckers Working to Blend Mid-Range Touch with Rim Pressure
