The Curt Miller effect and Paige Bueckers era are in full swing in Dallas!
The Dallas Wings didn’t just pull off the No.1 overall draft pick with Paige Bueckers. Easily winners of the 2025 WNBA Draft, Dallas didn’t just dominate—they owned it. It started with Bueckers and ended with Aziaha James, Madison Scott, JJ Quinerly, and Aaronette Vonleh.
Five months ago, the Dallas Wings hired Curt Miller as their newest Executive Vice President and General Manager. The move came just two months after the Wings parted ways with former head coach Latricia Trammell. The Wings had just secured the No.1 Overall pick and were still searching for their next head coach. Eventually, Miller hired coach Chris Koclanes.
Since then, Miller has rebuilt and reshaped the foundation of the franchise. Since the organization was relocated to Dallas in 2016, the Wings have only had one lone winning season. With four head coaches at the helm — Fred Williams, Brian Agler, Vickie Johnson, and Latricia Trammel, The Wings posted a 123-193 record over their tenures.
Just eight months ago, the Wings finished with the second-worst 9-31 record in the WNBA. Although, the toll of injuries wreaked havoc on the team. Having made three straight playoff appearances, the future looked bleak for Wings fans. That was until Miller came along with a blueprint and a sprinkle of luck on the side.
The Paige Bueckers Era Is Here
Paige Bueckers mentioned that pre-draft conversations with the Dallas Wings were “brief” but detailed an aligned vision.
On conversations with the Wings: “Yeah, honestly, the conversations were brief, but just for them to know that I am coming in and wanting to give everything… pic.twitter.com/TtxHE8GqXA
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) April 15, 2025
Dallas will forever be indebted to the number 22.7, their percentage odds of landing the top pick.
Selecting Bueckers No.1 overall was an undisputed decision. A National Champion at UConn, Bueckers brings more than just skills to the hardwood. Her leadership, faith, determination, and charisma is delightful for any franchise. Fans, rest assured, there was never a doubt about drafting the Minnesota native.
“Very early on, it was Paige and Paige only,” said Miller post draft.
There was some disappointment that initially spread across the basketball community when Dallas was awarded the top pick. Then there was Miller, jumping for joy while watching the WNBA lottery on television.
Curt Miller Is Known For Player Development
2024 WNBA Champion x Finals MVP, Jonquel Jones 🏆@jus242 | @nyliberty | #WNBAChamps pic.twitter.com/9i54UhllER
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2024
Considered one of the most decorated coaches in WNBA history, Curt Miller and Paige Bueckers are a match made in heaven. Former head coach of the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks, Miller is a two-time WNBA coach of the year. In fact, he’s the only coach to be additionally named Executive of the Year in the same season.
Although unable to secure a championship, Miller led the Sun to multiple WNBA Finals appearances, along with six consecutive playoff outings. Axed after two lone seasons with the Sparks, Curt Miller received a fresh start to rejuvenate a floundering organization.
Additionally, Miller is known for drafting and developing several renowned players, including Jonquel Jones, DiJonai Carrington, Bridget Carleton, and Tyasha Harris, just to name a few. Recently named Most Improved Player of the Year, Carrington has one finals appearance. Jonquel Jones has cemented herself as a WNBA MVP, WNBA Champion, and WNBA Finals MVP. Before traded to the New York Liberty, Jones spent the first six years of her career with coach Miller and the Sun.
The Wings Emphasize Winning And Culture
Reunited with Carrington, Miller is focused on player development, culture, and bringing in winning players.
The Wings add a prolific scorer in Bueckers, who’s an extraordinary passer, and shot creator. Next to Arike Ogunbowale, Dallas will boast one of the most elite backcourts. Both Bueckers and Carrington bring essential defense given the Wings recorded the worst defensive rating in the WNBA.
Prior to drafting Bueckers, Miller and the Wings meticulously drew out their free agency plans. Although losing stars Satou Sabally and Natasha Howard in free agency was tough, Miller signed and traded for players who’ve had success at various levels. Most of their additions have either won at the collegiate level or appeared in the WNBA playoffs.
“Winners are important to us,” said Curt Miller. “When you relay it to this draft class—I think it resonates with all of us GMs. We value winning. We want to add winning and competitiveness to all our locker rooms.”
There wasn’t any doubt Bueckers wouldn’t go to Dallas. Miller has reassured Bueckers the organization has set a new standard, which instills confidence and trust in the direction of the team. As Bueckers quoted, “It’s a build from where we are.”
“I am coming in and wanting to give everything I have to this organization,” Paige Bueckers said on draft night. “We’ve established there’s new levels of standards that are going to be set in play. New GM, New coach. We are excited for a new fresh start. It’s not a rebuild, it’s just a build from where we are.
Inside Miller’s Diligent WNBA Draft Blueprint
Crediting this year’s combine, Miller praised the process in examine a player’s height, wingspan, and even hand size. Mind you, Dallas didn’t “wing” free-agency and the offseason no pun intended. No roster spot is guaranteed in the WNBA, and Miller made it clear constructed built their roster with the intention of both late picks earning spots in the opening day lineup.
Every move was intentional, which opened up the door to select UConn’s Paige Bueckers No.1 overall, NC State’s Aziaha James at no. 12, and Ole Miss’s Madison Scott at No.14. In addition, the Wings quietly added West Virginia guard JJ Quinertly at No. 27 overall, and Baylor center Aaronette Vonleh No. 31 overall. Upon taking the job, Miller emphasized pre-draft the Wings intention to solidify defense, 3-point shooting, depth in the post, and rebounding.
“There’s absolutely a legitimate chance for 12 and 14 to make our opening day roster,” said Curt Miller. “That was intentionally done through our free agency. We’ve invested a lot of time on preparing to pick 12 and 14, and we’re excited about it.”
Drafting Bueckers was an opportunity of a lifetime, but additionally adding James and Scott? I’m not sure which team passed over James, but Dallas knocked it out of the park. Although a bit surprising the Wings selected a 5’9′ guard, James was the best player available. Even though she may not receive ample minutes, James is a versatile guard that hasn’t reached the height of her ceiling.
The Dallas Wings Aced WNBA Draft Night
Let’s go Zaza! https://t.co/RSFT2aiJTY pic.twitter.com/RQFOlfX2fT
— Dallas Wings (@DallasWings) April 15, 2025
Playing on a guard heavy roster under NC State head coach Wes Moore, this is no surprise to James. Though undersized, James averaged 17.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in her senior year with the Wolfpack. Backcourt depth with James could be the x-factor when contending for a championship.
“Just being that dog, finding any keys that Dallas needs, said James on her roll with the Dallas Wings. “Pushing myself. Pushing my teammates. Being that energetic rookie. Motivating my vets, being that sponge.”
To add to the pack, 6’2′ guard Madison Scott had a remarkable five-year collegiate career at Ole Miss. Named All-SEC second team, Scott averaged 11.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in her senior season. Outstanding on the defensive end, this is a player that can make an impact with her versatility alone. The ability to guard 1-5 is impressive, and I truly believe Scott can greatly add to the defensive unit of Carrington and Bueckers.
Additionally, Scott is confident in what she can bring to the squad. Excited to hoop with DiJonai Carrington, Scott’s mindset is one that every GM dreams of.
“I cannot wait for training camp so I can be up under her [Carrington], be a sponge, and just learn all there is to learn,” said Madison Scott. “I’m versatile. I’ll be switching and I’ll be guarding those guards that DiJonai [Carrington] guards. Any tips that she can give me, any knowledge— I want it all because I want to be great. I want to surround myself with people who want to be great.”
The Dallas Wings and Miller Value More Than Just Skill on the Court
Speaking of depth, Miller acknowledges a draft number isn’t the end all be all. Given the amount of rising talent and popularity of women’s basketball, Miller suggested “Someone picked 20 might have a longer and more successful career when we look back at it years from now than someone that might get drafted in the middle of the first round.”
Hitting a grand slam in the draft, Dallas did more than just select talented players. The team won in so many ways that the talent itself is just a fraction of the success. Above all, Miller aims to bring in great people, which is the case in Bueckers, James, Scott, Quinerly, and Vonleh.
“First and foremost, it’s always going to be culture for us and coach Chris” said Miller. “It’s going to be adding great people. I think talent wins over talent any day. Chris and I have been part of a lot of successful teams in the WNBA, and we truly believe that started always in the locker room.”
Not only did I give the Dallas Wings an A+ for their impeccable draft choices, but their ability to shift the landscape in such a short time is impressive. All the credit goes to the Dallas Wings front office, which starts with Curt Miller and Chris Koclanes, and ends with Bueckers, James, Scott, Quinerly, Vonleh, and a new revamped roster through the off season.
Curt Miller brings the passion, wisdom, and confidence that’s needed to be a successful GM of a championship aspiring team. Although it’s impossible to retain all four draft picks, Dallas’ performance in the Draft was remarkable.
The Dallas Wings kick start the 2025 WNBA season against the Minnesota Lynx on May 16.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Writer, Content Creator, Managing Editor, and Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
