Vickie Johnson's 2023 Contract Option Declined By Wings; Spent 2 Seasons as HC
Sep 19, 2022
UNCASVILLE, CT - AUGUST 21: Head Coach Vickie Johnson of the Dallas Wings speaks to the media before the game against the Connecticut Sun during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs on August 21, 2022 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Dallas Wings are making a coaching change after declining Vickie Johnson's option for the 2023 WNBA season.
Team president Greg Bibb provided a statement on the move:
While our organization has taken steps forward this season, at this time I believe a change provides our team with the best opportunity to achieve our long-term goals of advancing in the playoffs and ultimately competing for a WNBA Championship. I would like to thank Vickie for her work on behalf of the organization and wish her the best in her future endeavors.
The Wings went 32-36 in Johnson's two seasons on the sideline. Dallas made the playoffs in each of those two years.
It appears the current front office regime will remain in place, which raises a question that's bigger than who will replace Johnson: How much will a coaching change matter?
Arike Ogunbowale is an elite scorer but hasn't shown much improvement from when she entered the league.
The two-time All-Star averaged 19.1 points and 3.2 assists while shooting 38.8 percent from the field and 35.2 percent from beyond the arc as a rookie. This past season, she shot the same clip from beyond the arc with only marginal improvements to her overall shooting (40.0) and per-game averages (19.7 points and 3.6 assists).
Dallas is fully committed to Ogunbowale after signing her to a three-year max extension that begins next season, yet it's not clear whether the 25-year-old is the kind of franchise cornerstone who can get her team to the next level.
Granted, the Wings haven't done nearly enough to build the requisite supporting cast around Ogunbowale.
Charli Collier, the No. 1 pick in the 2021 draft, logged 78 total minutes in 2022. Awak Kuier, who was selected one pick later, averaged just 2.8 points and 2.5 rebounds in her 12.6 minutes on the floor in her second year.
Allisha Gray might be on the way out as well. Girls Talk Sports TV's Khristina Williams reported in July that Gray "most likely" will be traded this offseason.
Beyond Ogunbowale, there are reasons to be excited about the Wings' future, which will make them attractive to prospective candidates.
Marina Mabrey has taken her game to the next level after the Los Angeles Sparks traded her to Dallas. She was second on the team in scoring (13.6 points).
Satou Sabally has shown promise as well, but injuries have limited her availability. She appeared in 11 games after missing 15 games in 2021.
Still, it wasn't entirely Johnson's fault the Wings were sixth in the standings. This is a roster that was firmly in the middle ground between good and bad, and the fault for that belongs at the door of the front office.
As much as a new coach could help things, it will also be on Bibb to identify the necessary upgrades.
Candace Parker, Sky Top Arike Ogunbowale, Wings to Advance in 2021 WNBA Playoffs
Sep 24, 2021
Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) shoots against the Dallas Wings during the first half in the first round of the WNBA basketball playoffs, Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Hosting their first playoff game in two years, the Chicago Sky gave the home crowd plenty to cheer about thanks to an 81-64win over the Dallas Wings to advance to the second round.
The Sky had an inconsistent regular season, resulting in a 16-16 overall record. They lost four of their final six games coming into the playoffs, but one of those wins was a 92-84 victory over the No. 2 seed Las Vegas Aces to clinch a postseason berth.
Dallas (14-18) was one of two teams to clinch a playoff berth with a losing record this season (New York Liberty, 12-20). The Wings hadn't made the postseason since 2018 and are still seeking their first playoff win since 2009 when the franchise was known as the Detroit Shock.
Candace Parker struggled to find her shooting rhythm, going just 5-of-15 from the floor to finish with 11 points. The two-time WNBA MVP still made an impact with 15 rebounds, seven assists and three steals.
Parker, Allie Quigley and Stefanie Dolson combined to finish +56 in the win.
The Sky looked like they would cruise to victory after leading by as many as 21 points in the second quarter and carrying a 44-29 advantage into halftime.
Dallas stormed back in the third quarter, going on an 18-7 run to cut the deficit down to four points. Two straight baskets by Stefanie Dolson and Allie Quigley gave Chicago a 55-47 lead.
Kahleah Copper's red-hot start was instrumental in getting the Sky out to an early advantage. She went 6-of-7 from the field and scored 12 of her team's 25 points in the first 10 minutes.
KAHHH š
After 1Q of play, @kahleahcopper has racked up 12 PTS and is 6-for-7 from the field
Jake Wolf of NBC Sports Edge cited Copper as a potential key for the Sky coming into the game based on how they fared when she shot well from the field:
I think Kahleah Copperās efficiency could be the deciding factor for #skytown tonight against the Wings. Chicago went 10-5 when Copper shot at least 50% from the field and 6-11 when she made under half of her shot attempts #WNBATwitter
Copper did lead all Sky players in scoring, but she slowed down after that hot start. The All-Star guard had 11points over the final three quarters.
Satou Sabally anchored the third-quarter comeback for the Wings. She scored eight of her 12 points after head coach Vickie Johnson had her start the second half.
Arike Ogunbowale did most of the heavy lifting on offense for Dallas' starting five. The Notre Dame alum finished with 22 points on 8-of-16 shooting (5-of-10 from three-point range). She was the only member of the starting group to reach double digits in scoring.
Kayla Thornton and Bella Alaire were held scoreless, with Thornton missing each of her six shot attempts. Johnson elected to limit their minutes as the game went on, replacing them with Sabally and Isabelle Harrison.
When Sabally and Harrison were on the floor in the second half, the Wings made their run to get within shouting distance. Unfortunately, it turned out to be too late.
The Sky shot 45.2 percent overall from the floor and had a 47-35 rebounding advantage in the win. They will await the result of Thursday's second game between the New York Liberty and Phoenix Mercury to learn where they will be playing in the second round of the playoffs this weekend.
What's Next?
The Sky will play either the No. 3 Minnesota Lynx (22-10) or No. 4 Seattle Storm (21-11) on Sunday at 5 p.m. ET.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) and Dallas Wings forward Charli Collier (35) participate in a jump ball during the second quarter of a WBNA basketball game Friday, May 14, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Charli Collier posted an 11-point, 10-rebound double-double in her WNBA debut to help the Dallas Wings earn a season-opening 94-71 road victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday at Staples Center.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 draft shot 4-of-6 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. She also added one steal and one block, and the Wings outscored the Sparks by 15 with the ex-Texas star on the floor.
Collier's first WNBA bucket occurred in the first quarter, when she gained positioning on Sparks center Chiney Ogwumike and hit a jumper in the key:
Her biggest basket occurred in the third quarter, however.
L.A. went on an 11-3 run to cut a 63-49 lead to 66-60. Wings forward Allisha Gray then missed a layup, but Collier grabbed the offensive board between two Sparks players and was able to muscle her way to a bucket for an eight-point edge:
Gray led all scorers with 23 points on 7-of-15 shooting in addition to her nine rebounds. She also excelled on the defensive end, amassing four steals.
Wings guard Tyesha Harris dished seven assists to guide a fantastic offensive effort that included shooting 53.1 percent from the field. Dallas also knocked down 18-of-22 free throws.
Dallas guard Arike Ogunbowale had an efficient game, scoring 17 points in just 20 minutes. The ex-Notre Dame star and 2018 NCAA tournament heroine was limited due to foul trouble, but her 10 third-quarter points enabled Dallas to take a 70-60 lead into the fourth quarter.
For L.A., forward Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks with 18 points, and her younger sister, Chiney, added 12 more.
The Sparks took a 27-20 lead after the first quarter but went ice cold afterward. Dallas took advantage, outscoring Los Angeles 24-14 in the second quarter, 26-19 in the third and 24-11 in the fourth.
Dallas won despite committing 26 turnovers. The Sparks couldn't take advantage, though, shooting just 35.9 percent from the field and 7-of-27 from three-point range. Dallas also dominated the boards, 45-25.
Dallas now faces a tough test against the defending WNBA champion Seattle Storm, who will visit the Wings at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas on Saturday, May 22 at 8 p.m. ET.
The Sparks also have a tough test with the team scheduled to visit the WNBA finalist Las Vegas Aces at Mandalay Bay Events Center on Friday at 10:30 p.m.
Charli Collier to Wings: Twitter Reacts as Center Is Selected in 2021 WNBA Draft
Apr 15, 2021
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS - MARCH 28: Charli Collier #35 of the Texas Longhorns celebrates the lead late in the fourth quarter against the Maryland Terrapins during the Sweet Sixteen round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on March 28, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas.The Texas Longhorns defeated the Maryland Terrapins 64-61 (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The Dallas Wings selected 6'5" center Charli Collier with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 WNBA draft.
But the Wings were just getting started. In addition to the first two picks, Dallas had two other picks in the first round.
Dallas Wings start their draft onslaught with UTās @charlicollier. Still on the clock! Trying to imagine what it would be like if Mavs had 1st, 2nd and 5th picks like Wings. Donāt even try to imagine a world where Cowboys had that...
In addition to her on-court talent, Collier highlighted her fashion sense on draft night, wearing an outfit designed by Sergio Hudson, who has also styled for Michelle Obama and Kamala Harris.
No. 1 pick Charli Collier's WNBA draft day fit š„
A Texas native who played collegiately with the Longhorns, the 21-year-old (who turns 22 in September) is the first No. 1 pick from Texas (h/t Nick Moyle of the San Antonio Express-News).
Collier is coming off of a career year at Texas where she shot 51.1 percent from the field and 31.3 percent from three while averaging 19.0 points and 11.3 rebounds per game.
Through three seasons with the Longhorns, she averaged 12.7 points on 46.6 percent shooting (33.3 percent from three) with 8.7 rebounds through 92 appearances.
A standout on the boards (with an average that ranked 17th in Division I in 2020-21), Collier will be in immediate relief to a Wings team that struggled defensively in 2020.
Dallas ranked third-worst in the league in rebounds per game and grabbed 48.3 percent of balls off the glass, just barely ahead of Phoenix, which finished last at 48.2.
Collier will be an important asset to a Wings team that is looking to move on from an 8-14 campaign.
Imani McGee-Stafford Steps Away from WNBA's Wings to Pursue Law Degree
Mar 30, 2020
ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 20: Imani McGee Stafford #34 of the Dallas Wings handles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Mercury on June 20, 2019 at the College Park Arena in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Dallas Wings center Imani McGee-Stafford has left her WNBA team for at least two seasons to pursue a law degree at Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles.
"While I am saddened to step away from such a big part of my life, I'm also excited for this next chapter," McGee-Stafford said, per Mechelle Voepel of ESPN.
The Wings have placed her on the team's suspended list.
"We wish Imani well as she pursues a law degree," Wings president and CEO Greg Bibb said in a statement. "We thank her for her hard work and contribution to the Wings organization and support her decision to step away from the WNBA in order to achieve a longtime goal."
The 6'7" McGee-Stafford has played four seasons in the WNBA with the Wings, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream after starring at Texas in college.
The 25-year-old appeared in 29 games for Dallas last season, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
She has also spent time with several overseas teams during the WNBA offseason, including in China, Israel and most recently Australia.
McGee-Stafford is the sister of Los Angeles Lakers center JaVale McGee
While the 2020 WNBA season is scheduled to begin May 15, itĀ could be delayedĀ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Skylar Diggins-Smith Says She Doesn't Plan on Playing for Wings Next Season
Jan 27, 2020
CHICAGO, IL - NOVEMBER 2: Skylar Diggins-Smith #17 of the USA Women's National Team dribbles the ball against Stanford University on November 2, 2019 Maples Pavilion in Stanford, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jack Arent/NBAE via Getty Images)
"I don't plan on playing in Dallas next year," she said to the Associated Press' Doug Feinberg. "I'm happy to be playing in this league and I want to play."
Wings president and CEO Greg Bibb told Feinberg the team applied the core designation to the four-time All-Star, which entitles her to earn the new $215,000 max salary for the upcoming season.
Diggins-Smith's comments affirm what many expected as the WNBA offseason gets underway.
The 29-year-old missed the entire 2019 campaign following the birth of her first child. In October, sheĀ tweetedĀ she had played throughout 2018 while pregnant and criticized what she felt was a lack of support from her team:
Having no support from your own organization is unfortunate
People called me a quitter, said I gave up on my team, etc., etc.
Not knowing I took two FULL months away from everything because of postpartum depression. With limited resources to help me be successful mentally/physically.
BibbĀ told reportersĀ the WingsĀ paid Diggins-Smith her full salary while on maternity leave.Ā The new collective bargaining agreement makes that the standard throughout the league, with the previous CBA stipulating teams were only required to pay half of a player's wages.
Bibb also told The Athletic'sĀ Dorothy GentryĀ the Wings "expressed our support for her, including several times communicating to her the medical services that were available to her and her family through our team."
Diggins-Smith said she'd be open to staying with the Wings but that she wanted to see changes from the franchise:
"The organization has changes that it needs to make. Everyone knows that. That's no secret to the public. It's out of my hands now. I would love to finish my career in Dallas. If those conditions aren't improved for myself, for the women on the team, for the WNBA, our children ... I'm not coming back to that and that's exactly what I told (Wings president and CEO) Greg Bibb and the organization. I've been transparent with that the whole time."
This is the second time in two years in which Dallas is at risk of losing one of its best players.
Liz CambageĀ requested to leaveĀ in January 2019. In anĀ essayĀ for The Players' Tribune in August, she wrote she lost her support system with the Wings when the team fired head coach Fred Williams.
The Wings eventuallyĀ tradedĀ Cambage to the Las Vegas Aces forĀ Moriah Jefferson, Isabelle Harrison and the Aces' first- and second-round picks in 2020.
Dallas' leverage will have eroded with Diggins-Smith's preference out in the open, but she should still have a robust trade market. She averagedĀ 17.9 points, 6.2 assists and 1.4 steals in her last season.
The Wings, meanwhile, already have the foundation in place for a rebuild. Arike Ogunbowale was runner-up in the 2019 Rookie of the Year voting after averaging 19.1 points,Ā and Allisha Gray emerged as a dynamic long-range threat, hitting 38.4 percent of her three-pointers.
Dallas also has the No. 2 pick in the draft, which will allow the front office to either fortify the frontcourt or find a backcourt partner to play alongside Ogunbowale.
Liz Cambage Requests Trade from Dallas Wings
Jan 22, 2019
ARLINGTON, TX - AUGUST 17: Elizabeth Cambage #8 of the Dallas Wings reacts during the game against the LA Clippers on August 17, 2018 at College Park Center in Arlington, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photos by Tim Heitman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wings President and CEO Gregg Bibb provided a statement about the situation:Ā "Liz Cambage has communicated through her representation a desire to play elsewhere in the WNBA during the 2019 season. While Liz is currently under contract with the Dallas Wings, we will work to resolve this issue while keeping the interest of our organization the priority."
WNBAinsidr's Rachel GalliganĀ first reported Cambage's request.
Cambage averaged a league-high 23.0 points per game and was second in rebounding (9.7) during the 2018 season. She finished second to the Seattle Storm's Breanna Stewart in MVP voting.
The highlight of Cambage's season came when she poured in a single-game record 53 points in a win over the New York Liberty in July.
Liz Cambage put up a historic stat-line today, with 53 POINTS (including 4 threes), 10 rebounds, and 5 blocks to become the record leader in most points in a single #WNBA game!
The 6'8" center said in August she was unsure whether she'd return to the WNBA in 2019. The No. 2 overall pick in the 2011 draft, the Australian has played just three years in the league and cited the WNBA's relatively low salaries as one of her primary concerns.
"I've said this many times: [The WNBA] doesn't pay my bills. Playing here doesn't pay my bills," she said, per ESPN.com's Sean Hurd. "We make more money overseas. I'm ready to have next summer off and focus on getting a European contract where it's 10 seasons here worth the pay."
Because she has already said she's content to focus her attention elsewhere, Cambage arguably holds all the cards right now. If the Wings are unable to find a trade suitor, they risk watching her take another extended hiatus. She has played three seasons in China and recently enjoyed a spell with the Melbourne Boomers in Australia.
Cambage's trade demand isn't entirely surprising.
Dallas has a new head coach in Brian Agler, who said during his introductory press conference he had yet to reach out to the Australia international.
Skylar Diggins-Smith is also set to miss a large chunk of 2019 after announcing in October she was pregnant. Even though Agler is a two-time WNBA champion as a head coach, the Wings might struggle without their star guard.
Having reached the WNBA playoffs just once in three seasons, the 27-year-old Cambage might prefer to play for a team closer to winning a WNBA title.
The Los Angeles Sparks may be the front-runners to land Cambage. The Sparks just hired Fred Williams as one of their top assistants under head coach Derek Fisher. Williams and Cambage had a strong rapport when he coached the Wings last season.
