The Dallas Wings may have to make some big roster decisions this offseason, and where four-time all-star Arike Ogunbowale ends up might be one of them. 

Rebuilding the franchise is the top priority, and they've already appointed a new HC, Jose Fernandez. Now, with the expansion draft expected to allow only 5 protected picks and free agency kicking in post-CBA, retaining talent and choosing the No. 1 pick will be key for the Dallas Wings. 

As the Dallas Wings finished 10-34 under Chris Koclanes, Arike Ogunbowale saw her worst career performance in seven seasons. The Notre Dame alum averaged 15.5 PPG in 29 games played. 

Now, Clutch Points contributor Jess Koffie’s mock expansion draft has placed the cornerstone for Dallas as the No. 1 overall pick to the Portland Fire. 

“Portland opens its franchise history by choosing certainty in its most volatile form,” Jesse Koffie wrote. “Arike Ogunbowale is a player who thrives under pressure, whose confidence does not waver with defensive attention or game context," she added.

Koffie explained, “She does not wait for games to come to her; she seizes them, often decisively. For a franchise like Portland Fire, Ogunbowale's 4x All-Star and 2 MVP résumé fits the identity the team will be looking to build. 

Arike Ogunbowale might be the best option for the Portland Fire

Ogunbowale was the 5th overall pick in the 2019 draft, rolling onto the scene with a game high of 35 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks in her rookie season. 

Only at 22, she became the leading scorer for the Wings with a 19.1 average in her first pro season. This explosive player with big shots and fearless scoring might just be what Portland Fire’s HC Sandy Brondello is looking for. 

"For an expansion franchise, this kind of presence is invaluable. Ogunbowale provides an immediate identity anchor. Portland knows, from its very first pick, that it will be a team unafraid of difficult possessions. Late-clock situations, stalled offensive sets, and hostile environments all become manageable when the ball is in the hands of a player comfortable with responsibility,” Koffie explained in her mock draft. 

As the Dallas Wings prepare to bank on Paige Bueckers, paired with a no. 1 pick in either Azzi Fudd, Lauren Betts, or Awa Fam, Arike Ogunbowale might have worn the Wings jersey for the last time this season.

Written by

Fatema Kapasi

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi