DHJ Quick Take: The Training Camp Crunch
- Spearman’s Versatility: Selected No. 31 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Zee Spearman showed flashes of “positionless” basketball during camp. While her size (6-foot-3) and perimeter-to-post versatility were evident, the logjam in the Wings‘ frontcourt.
- Oldacre’s Health Hurdles: Kyla Oldacre, a standout center from the University of Texas, struggled with timing as she entered camp working back from league protocol. At 6-foot-7, her rim-protection potential was a clear asset, but the limited 5-on-5 reps put the undrafted free agent at a disadvantage against established veterans.
- Final Cut Deadline: Dallas must finalize its roster by May 7, two days before the regular season opener against the Indiana Fever on May 9. With international arrivals like Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona still expected, more veteran moves are likely on the horizon.
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings announced Sunday that the team has waived forward Zee Spearman and center Kyla Oldacre, marking the second waive of roster cuts after previously releasing guard Shyanne Sellers and forward Grace Sullivan.
The Wings’ opening-day roster will be finalized by May 7. The regular season tips off May 9.
Zee Spearman’s Camp
Spearman, a 6-foot-3 forward who was selected No. 31 overall by the Wings in the third round of the 2026 WNBA Draft, used her early reps to flash the versatility she described in her media availability. She got extended 5-on-5 time during the open portions of practice with veteran post Alanna Smith being in and out of camp for immigration requirements and Jessica Shepard being a late arrival due to overseas commitments.
Spearman said earlier in camp that the physicality of the WNBA was her clearest “welcome to the W” moment.
“I think the first day. The physicality got me, I can’t lie. Somebody hit me in the stomach and I said, ‘Okay, they’re a little strong out here,'” Spearman told Dallas Hoops Journal. “But I kept my feet, kept playing through it. I couldn’t show that it really got me. I had to keep going.”
Spearman also outlined the versatility she brings on both ends of the floor.
“I’m very versatile. I can play on the perimeter, play inside, rim run, rebound, I do a lot,” Spearman said. “On top of that, my defensive presence is always there. I just do whatever the game calls for.”
Kyla Oldacre Was Working Back from Protocol
Oldacre, a 6-foot-7 center who signed with the Wings as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 WNBA Draft, had not been on the floor during the open portions of practice. Fernandez said Saturday that Oldacre was working her way back from protocol, alongside JJ Quinerly and Lindsay Allen, rehabbing from injuries.
“I’m looking forward to seeing LA and JJ when they’re healthy,” Fernandez said.
What Comes Next
As is the case with any player who entered training camp on a training camp or unprotected contract, both Spearman and Oldacre could potentially return to the team on a developmental roster spot if they clear waivers.
The Wings’ updated training camp roster includes Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Alanna Smith, Azzi Fudd, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, Maddy Siegrist, Aziaha James, Odyssey Sims, Li Yueru, Alysha Clark, Rayah Marshall, Amy Okonkwo, Grace Berger, Lindsay Allen, JJ Quinerly, Costanza Verona, and Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu.
Fernandez said earlier in the week that balancing perimeter and post needs was the lens he was using to evaluate the final cuts.
“You’ve got to have a good balance between your perimeter needs and your post needs, especially in those final roster spots and the two developmental spots,” Fernandez said.
The Wings continue training camp with Shepard, Ogunbowale, Verona, and Fankam Mendjiadeu still expected to return from international commitments in the coming days. A clear timeline hasn’t been released for Kuier yet.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘When I’m Here, I’m Here’: Alanna Smith Returns To Dallas Wings Camp After Immigration Requirements
- Paige Bueckers Embraces Defensive ‘Standard’ For Dallas Wings After Unrivaled Carryover
- Dallas Wings 5-on-5 Day 6 Clips: Paige Bueckers And Azzi Fudd Play Together, Bigs Compete, Takeaways
- Dallas Wings Training Camp Day 6 Recap: Paige Bueckers Sets Tone, Azzi Fudd Adjusts, Li Yueru’s Balance, Roster Competition
- Paige Bueckers On Dallas Wings’ New Offensive System: ‘Never A Stagnant Moment’
- ‘It’s About Want To’: Paige Bueckers’ Vocal Leadership Is Setting The Dallas Wings’ Training Camp Tone
- Awak Kuier’s Immigration Wait Leaves Dallas Wings Return Date Unclear
- Jessica Shepard, Costanza Verona’s Italian Championship Run Shapes Dallas Wings Return
- Arike Ogunbowale Nears Return To Dallas Wings After Chinese Championship Run
- Alanna Smith Departs Dallas Wings Camp For Immigration Requirements After Strong Start
