DHJ Quick Take: The Length Revolution
- Intentional Size: Curt Miller’s strategy is unmistakable. Between Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, and now Zee Spearman, the Wings have built a “Wall of Dallas” that stands 6-foot-4 or taller. This length is designed to insulate Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale defensively.
- 3×3 Versatility: Spearman’s experience with USA Basketball in the 3×3 Nations League is a significant indicator of her mobility. That “small-sided” experience translates to better lateral quickness and the ability to defend multiple positions, which Jose Fernandez prioritized in his post-draft remarks.
- The “Paint” Reintroduction: Perhaps the most interesting tactical note from Miller is the plan to move Spearman back toward the rim. After playing primarily on the perimeter at Tennessee, her 1.3 blocks per game suggest a high-level rim-protection instinct that could make her a devastating “help” defender in Arlington.
- Development-First Environment: Selecting Spearman at the start of the third round is a low-risk, high-reward move. Joining a locker room with veterans like Jessica Shepard and fellow Big East product Maddy Siegrist provides the ideal structure for a player who is still “scratching the surface.”
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Dallas Wings added length, athleticism, and upside to close out their 2026 WNBA Draft night, selecting Tennessee forward Zee Spearman with the No. 31 overall pick.
“We were excited that Zee was available to start the third round,” general manager Curt Miller said. “She brings excellent length and athleticism and has shown the ability to play inside and out. She has only started to scratch the surface of her potential.”
The Player Dallas Wings Is Getting
Spearman is a 6-foot-4 forward from Georgia who spent her first two college seasons at the University of Miami before transferring to Tennessee for her final two years of NCAA play. In her senior campaign with the Lady Vols, she averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 rebounds over 30 games, scoring in double digits on 16 occasions. She led Tennessee in both offensive rebounds (2.9) and blocks (1.3) per game — numbers that reflect a player whose defensive impact goes beyond traditional box score contributions.
She also brings international experience, having represented the United States as a member of the 2025 USA Basketball Women’s 3×3 U23 National Team and the 2025 3×3 Nations League Team. She helped the Nations League squad go 14-2 en route to the Americas Conference title.
How She Fits the Dallas Wings
Head coach Jose Fernandez identified Spearman’s combination of size, mobility, and perimeter ability as the qualities that made her stand out in the third round.
“We really like her athleticism, size, and versatility. She can stretch the floor, she’s long, athletic, can run, block shots, and is active,” Fernandez said. “She’s ready to get to work and get to Dallas.”
Fernandez and Miller both indicated the plan is to reintroduce Spearman to the paint while taking advantage of her ability to operate on the perimeter — a versatility that fits the organizational vision of playing longer and more switchable on defense.
“She played a lot on the perimeter, but we’ll reintroduce her to the paint,” Miller said. “She has the ability to handle the ball and play in DHO actions. Her best days are ahead — she’s just scratching the surface.”
That framing connects directly to the broader roster construction philosophy Dallas pursued all offseason. Miller noted on Monday night that the organization signed three players standing 6-foot-4 or taller on the first day of free agency alone — Alanna Smith at 6-foot-4, Jessica Shepard at 6-foot-4, and Awak Kuier at 6-foot-6. Spearman continues that trend, adding another long, versatile defender capable of protecting the rim and switching on the perimeter.
“There was intentionality this offseason to get longer and improve defensively in the post,” Miller said. “Now we’ve added more length through the draft.”
Spearman joins a Dallas roster that has been comprehensively rebuilt around Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd — the Wings’ first and second consecutive No. 1 overall picks — alongside Ogunbowale, Smith, Shepard, Kuier, Li Yueru, and Maddy Siegrist. For a player Miller describes as someone who has barely tapped her potential, the environment she’s entering is one designed to accelerate development.
The Wings open the 2026 WNBA season on the road against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, May 9 at 12 CT.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- ‘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
- ‘Nothing I Could Have Imagined’: Azzi Fudd Reacts To Dallas Wings Selection And Paige Bueckers Reunion
- ‘Ecstatic To Add Her’: Curt Miller Breaks Down Azzi Fudd As No. 1 Pick For Dallas Wings
- Dallas Wings Select Azzi Fudd No. 1 Overall, Reuniting Her With Paige Bueckers
- Rebecca Lobo On Azzi Fudd Going No. 1 To Dallas Wings: ‘She Has WNBA All-Star Potential As A Rookie’
- Evaluating Top Options For Dallas Wings At No. 1 Overall In 2026 WNBA Draft
- Dallas Wings Sign Four To Training Camp Contracts, Including Amy Okonkwo
- ‘Positioned To Be Very Aggressive’: How Dallas Wings Executed Curt Miller’s Vision Laid For Offseason Moves
- ‘Our Top Target’: Dallas Wings Sign Reigning WNBA Co-Defensive Player Of The Year Alanna Smith To Three-Year Max Deal
