Haley Jones has done it all for the Dallas Wings, from defensive rotations to pace-setting transition bursts to crafty scoring and passing in the paint. In a season marked by injuries and lineup churn, the third-year pro has stepped up, providing versatility on both ends and stabilizing a team still carving out its identity.
She has become more than a plug-in role player. She is proving to be a tone-setter. In Dallas’ 87-63 win over the Seattle Storm on July 22, arguably its sharpest performance of the season, Jones filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks in 31 minutes. That followed a 12-point, five-rebound, three-steal outing in just 19 minutes against the Las Vegas Aces before the All-Star break.
“She’s been a spark off the bench,” said head coach Chris Koclanes. “Her pace and versatility really help us. Whether she’s at guard or forward, she can push the ball, make plays, and give us another dimension offensively.”
Haley Jones Considers Herself a “Point Forward”
Jones refers to herself as a “point forward,” a hybrid label that encapsulates the way she plays.
“That’s kind of the umbrella for everything I do — I can handle the ball, create plays, rebound, defend multiple spots,” Jones said. “I feel like that term fits me best.”
That fluidity has helped the Wings push pace and dictate tempo. When Jones rebounds, she’s scanning for an outlet, but just as often, she grabs-and-goes herself, using her guard skills to flow into offense. When that initial look isn’t there, she slows the tempo, keeps the ball moving, and often sets up teammates with well-timed passes or quick reversals.
In an offense that emphasizes read-and-react, Jones’ decision-making in dribble handoffs and spacing situations has tied possessions together. She keeps the ball alive without over-dribbling, plays off two feet as a finisher, and excels at passing out of the post or on the move.
“Honestly, for me it was more about coming in and getting a few assists right away — getting the ball moving, helping the offense click,” Jones said of her early rhythm against Seattle. “That got me into a rhythm. A couple of defensive plays, too, like blocks, helped me feel locked in.”
The Wings have felt that rhythm, too. In the 104 minutes Jones has played this season, Dallas has outscored opponents by 19.1 points per 100 possessions — their best net rating in any rotation. The team’s pace with her on the floor spikes to 101.25, and their assist-to-turnover ratio surges to 2.31. The Wings simply play smarter and faster with her involved.
Defense, Chemistry, and Direction
Jones’ defensive presence has been just as impactful. She guards multiple positions, gets vertical without fouling, and disrupts actions with intelligent reads. Koclanes praised her attention to detail.
“Toughness and intelligence,” he said. “She’s undersized at times but competes hard. She plays tendencies well, positions early, and stays disciplined. She’s also great off the ball and helps organize our defense.”
Defensively, Jones has helped set a higher standard. Her communication and ability to execute multiple rotations in a single possession have elevated the Wings’ effort plays — a key factor in recent wins.
“We were more aggressive on the ball and communicated better,” Jones added. “I think our second efforts have really improved — those scramble situations, 50-50 balls, extra rotations. We’re selling out more, getting rebounds, and not letting the offense control how we defend.”
Jones also highlighted the team’s growing offensive chemistry, pointing to how increased familiarity is translating to cleaner possessions and more efficient ball movement. After a stretch of lineup changes and limited practice time, she said recent sessions back in Dallas made a noticeable difference.
“The flow is definitely improving, and that’s just from building chemistry and spending more time together,” she said. “The ball’s moving better, players are getting cleaner looks, and there’s less one-on-one forcing. Even though there are still some stagnant moments, the growth we’ve made says a lot about what’s ahead.”
Teammates have noticed her presence, especially as Dallas pushes through adversity and regains health.
“Haley’s been huge for us,” said forward Luisa Geiselsöder. “She brings energy and plays with heart. She literally leaves everything on the court. I’m really proud and happy to be her teammate.”
Haley Jones is Thriving in Every Role
This is Jones’ second stint with the Wings this season. She signed a hardship deal in June, was waived when the roster reached full health, and rejoined the team on a rest-of-season contract in July. Since returning, she’s filled multiple roles — from facilitating the offense to defending bigger players.
“It’s been about getting more comfortable — knowing the girls, understanding what I bring, and having clear communication from Coach Chris and the staff,” Jones said. “They’ve trusted me in different roles — guarding bigs, pushing in transition, making plays. That trust helps, and my chemistry with everyone — Paige, Arike, [Aziaha], JJ — it’s all growing game by game.”
That trust, both ways, is what’s allowing Jones to thrive.
“Honestly, whatever we need,” said Koclanes. “With Myisha out, she filled that forward role. She’s a Swiss Army knife — you can plug her in anywhere.”
Staying Present, Leading Quietly
After a rocky start against Seattle, Dallas responded with poise, which Jones sees as emblematic of the group’s mindset.
“I think this team has a lot of resiliency and fight,” Jones said. “Even when we start out behind — whether it’s against the Aces or tonight — there’s no internal panic. We stay together, and you can see that on the court.”
The Wings still sit near the bottom of the standings, but players like Haley Jones have become a reason for optimism. She’s not chasing numbers. She’s keeping the game moving.
And Dallas is moving with her.