![\"Lauren](\"https:\/\/platform.swishappeal.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/154\/2026\/04\/gettyimages-2269843167.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100\")
<\/a><\/p>\nLauren Betts. Getty Images<\/p>\n
The No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft is both a blessing and burden.<\/p>\n
With a second-straight top selection, the Wings have the opportunity to follow the model of the Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever, two franchises that used consecutive No. 1 picks to accelerate their rise up the league ranks.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the blessing. The pressure to make the right pick, especially for a franchise that has a track record of fumbling picks, failing to develop players and fraying relationships with stars, is the burden.<\/p>\n
The blessing-burden dichotomy is further heightened because, unlike Bueckers last year, or when the Fever selected Aliyah Boston in 2023 and Caitlin Clark in 2024, there\u2019s no consensus No. 1 pick.<\/p>\n
In contrast, less than one week before the draft, who should go No. 1 might be cloudier than ever.<\/p>\n
Throughout this draft cycle, Awa Fam and Azzi Fudd have been widely considered the contenders to go No. 1 overall. Our Eric Nemchock<\/a>, like many public evaluators, has Fam, the 6-foot-6 Spanish 19 year old, projected as the top prospect, with Bueckers\u2019 college teammate, UConn fifth-year senior sharpshooter Azzi Fudd, attracting buzz as the alternative.<\/p>\n Or, should the Wings make another bet? This time last year, many assumed Lauren Betts would hear her name called first in 2026. Due to the declining value of traditional bigs in a modernizing WNBA, her stock dipped during her senior season. Yet, a fantastic NCAA Tournament, which culminated in a national championship, seems to have re-boosted Betts\u2019 stock, encouraging an appreciation for her strengths over quibbles about her limitations.<\/p>\n Who should be the decision for Dallas? Are you intrigued by Awa? Is Azzi the only answer? Or, is Betts the best bet?<\/p>\n 2. Are the Wings all in on retaining Arike Ogunbowale?<\/p>\n Arike Ogunbowale. Getty Images<\/p>\n On the free agency front, the future of Arike Ogunbowale is Dallas\u2019 biggest decision.<\/p>\n The offensive talent of peak Arike is undeniable. With a deep bag of dribble moves, speed, shiftiness and a lightning-quick shot release, Ogunbowale is one of the game\u2019s most talented scorers.<\/p>\n Yet, she\u2019s coming off the worst statistical season of her career, playing only 29 games due to knee tendonitis troubles. This will also be her age 29 season, making it fair to wonder if the combination of age and injury could prevent Ogunbowale from being at her best as often as needed.<\/p>\n If that\u2019s the case, is it smart to for Dallas to sign her to a big deal? Or, even sign her at all?<\/p>\n The team\u2019s internal contract preferences for Ogunbowale, compared to her own expectations, could solve this conundrum; Arike, rightfully, should get the biggest bag she can from whatever team is willing to make the offer.<\/p>\n It\u2019s questionable if the Wings should be that team, since every decision Dallas makes should prioritize building a longterm contender around Bueckers. Due to the new player salary and salary cap realities of the WNBA, teams risk doom themselves by signing a player who is declining, unavailable or a poor fit to a rich, multi-year deal.<\/p>\n Arike could be the perfect ceiling raiser to pair with Paige, thriving as an off-the-ball scoring threat as she did for Mist during their title-winning Unrivaled season. Or, Ogunbowale\u2019s WNBA present and future could resemble her 2025 season, which would make re-signing her a disaster for Dallas.<\/p>\n How should the Wings navigate this tough decision? Do you want to see Arike back with the Wings? Do you like her fit better with another team? If not Arike, what free agents should the Wings look to add?<\/p>\n 3. Can the Wings create more roster-building flexibility?<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n