DHJ Quick Take: The Logistical Grind
- The Staggered Return: The Wings’ 2026 season officially hits high gear soon. Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu (fresh off a Serbian Championship) returns Saturday, while Arike Ogunbowale—following her Game 5 in China—is expected Monday. Jessica Shepard’s arrival hinges on Thursday’s Italian Serie A1 result: a Schio loss brings her back Saturday, while a win pushes her to Monday. With four of the “Top 8” absent, Fernandez is in a sprint to install his system before the April 30 exhibition in Indiana.
- The Immigration Hold: While Alanna Smith is set to rejoin the team Saturday, the lack of a firm timeline for Awak Kuier remains the primary roster hurdle. Miller views Kuier as a “foundational piece” with unique 6-foot-4 length and perimeter versatility.
- Free Agency Validation: Miller confirmed that Shepard and Smith (the 2025 WNBA co-Defensive Player of the Year) were the franchise’s top two targets. Successfully landing both enabled Dallas to utilize the No. 1 overall pick on Azzi Fudd with total confidence. By pre-building a veteran frontcourt, the Wings have created a strong team for Fudd, Ogunbowale, and Paige Bueckers to do what they do best.
- Lineup Sophistication: The Wings feel good about their depth. Miller’s projected “First Unit” of Bueckers, Ogunbowale, Fudd, Shepard, and Smith offers elite spacing and three-level scoring. However, the “Secret Sauce” is a bench unit featuring Odyssey Sims, Aziaha James, Maddy Siegrist, Li Yueru, and Kuier. This second unit alone contains multiple starters from around the league, giving Fernandez an advantage in a 44-game season.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings general manager Curt Miller addressed the media this week during training camp, detailing staggered return timelines for five players still overseas, the challenges of installing a new system without four of the team’s top eight players, the free agency additions that shaped the team’s decision to select Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick, and the depth emerging across the 2026 roster.
The Wings will have some key players arriving at training camp soon and face some clearer timelines.
Updates on Overseas Players
Miller said Dulcy Fankam Mendjiadeu is set to arrive Saturday after winning the Serbian Championship. Jessica Shepard and Costanza Verona are in the middle of an Italian League Championship series and could return on Saturday or Monday, depending on whether her team extends the best-of-three series.
Awak Kuier is awaiting an immigration appointment in Finland with no set timeline, and Alanna Smith is expected back at practice Saturday after handling immigration matters.
Arike Ogunbowale Update
Arike Ogunbowale is playing Game 5 of the Chinese Championship series and is expected back Monday evening. Her return was delayed by Sichuan Yuanda Meile losing Game 4, extending the series.
“The hardest part is on the coaching staff. Jose is implementing a new system, and we’re missing key players,” Miller said. “Four of our top eight players, Alanna Smith, Awak Kuier, Jess Shepard, and Arike, aren’t here. There needs to be patience and some grace early in the season. When we get to Game 1, we won’t have had much time together compared to teams that have continuity.”
Potential Depth Chart
Miller said the Wings’ free agency priority was improving their post play, with Shepard and Smith at the top of a short list of targets. Landing both exceeded expectations and made the team’s No. 1 overall pick decision clear when the draft arrived.
Additionally, Miller outlined potential lineup combinations that include Paige Bueckers, Ogunbowale, Fudd, Shepard, and Smith in one unit, with Odyssey Sims, Aziaha James, Maddy Siegrist, Kuier, and Li Yueru forming a second group. Alysha Clark adds further veteran depth.
“When you look at potential lineups, Paige, Arike, Azzi, Jess, Alanna, and then a second unit with Odyssey, Aziaha, Maddy, Awak, and Li, that’s strong depth,” Miller said. “And we haven’t even mentioned Alysha Clark. We’re excited about the depth and how the roster is shaping up.”
The Wings will have limited time to evaluate players and build chemistry before the team’s preseason opener on April 30 against the Indiana Fever.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Dallas Wings Set For Second-Most Nationally Televised WNBA Games In 2026
- Dallas Wings Unveil 2026 Broadcast Schedule With KFAA Returning As Local Television Home
- Dallas Wings Waive Shyanne Sellers, Grace Sullivan As Training Camp Roster Trims To 20
- ‘She’s Going To Be Special’: Inside Azzi Fudd’s Early Impression At Dallas Wings Training Camp
- ‘She’s A Pro’: Paige Bueckers Is Built Different In Year 2, And Jose Fernandez Says It Will Show In Clutch Time
- ‘A Bright Future’: Alanna Smith Details Picking Dallas Wings In Free Agency, Expanding Her Game
- ‘A Dream Come True’: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd Realize Decade-Long Journey To Dallas Wings Backcourt
- ‘She Better Shoot The Damn Ball’: Jose Fernandez Challenges Azzi Fudd On Day 1 Of Training Camp
