The Dallas Wings have landed the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft for the second straight year, but the Awak Kuier situation is keeping them awake.

Kuier, the Dallas Wings’ second overall pick in 2021, has spent three seasons with the franchise. During that stretch, she averaged 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. But then, she left the WNBA to play in the EuroLeague. 

And that’s what complicates things for the Wings. They still hold Kuier’s rights, and their draft strategy depends heavily on whether she is willing to return. Two of the top prospects in the upcoming draft, Awa Fam and Lauren Betts, are also centers.

If Kuier commits to a return this season, the Wings’ most logical choice at No. 1 becomes Azzi Fudd. An elite three-point shooter, Fudd already has strong chemistry with Paige Bueckers. She would provide the spacing Dallas needs around its star guard.

A lineup featuring Bueckers, Fudd, and a much-improved Kuier could be exactly what the Wings are looking for.

Dallas Wings have a strong reason behind desiring Awak Kuier on the team

Last year, general manager Curt Miller made it clear that Kuier remains part of the Wings’ long-term vision. He said, "We do like the youth that we’re adding and have available. Even the fact that no one talks about Awak Kuier anymore—and such a young, dynamic piece that’s part of our future—is exciting to think about.”

However, Kuier's form in the last season is what the Wings should look at. She led the EuroLeague in blocked shots and ranks second in double-doubles. She’s averaging 11.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for Turkey's Galatasaray Cagdas Faktoring in the KBSL, showing clear growth on both ends of the floor.

For now, her future remains uncertain. And with it, so does Dallas’ No. 1 pick strategy. So, do you think Awak Kuier will return to join Paige Bueckers in the Wings jersey this season?

Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Souvik Roy