The Dallas Wings won the WNBA Draft Lottery — and their new general manager Curt Miller couldn't be happier.
Miller, who was fired as head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in September, spoke to the media for the first time since taking the job, just minutes after the lottery ball showed the Wings had the No. 1 pick. Opportunity to excel at the University of Connecticut paige backers.
“What an exciting day for the Dallas Wings,” Miller said, gushing over the possibility of playing virtually.
Miller revealed that Sunday's trip was a bad day. His flight was canceled and delayed, leaving him stranded in Los Angeles and having to scramble to watch the lottery ticket in the office of his longtime assistant coach.
“We talked about if this was the only bad thing that happened today, it would be a great day,” Miller said.
And so it was. His brand new franchise surpassed his previous franchise in the long-awaited chance to select the Buccaneers. The Los Angeles Sparks got the second pick, the Chicago Sky got the third pick, and the Washington Mystics got the fourth pick. The Sparks, who had the worst cumulative results over the past two seasons, once again fell just short of the top spot. choose.
After learning that the Wings had the top pick, Miller appeared to playfully attack his former team, posting a GIF that read, “What about Ringo?” X/on Twitter.
How the No. 1 pick will affect the Dallas Wings' head coaching search
Miller is in the process of searching for a new head coach for the franchise, and said the fact that Dallas won the lottery will only help his search. Last month, the organization parted ways with Latricia Trammell, who was with the team for two seasons.
Now, Dallas is an instantly attractive destination for top-end coaching talent.
“This is already a very energizing day, and it energizes the team in the same way that the No. 1 pick impacts the fan base,” Miller said. “What a great opportunity for someone like me who is just starting to look for a head coaching job to sit down and talk to the head coaching candidates who will take over the coaching position of the Dallas Wings. We have the next No. 1 pick. Because I know there is.”
The Wings are one of four WNBA teams currently searching for a new head coach, with the Sparks, Mystics and Connecticut Sun also still searching. Several coaching vacancies have already been filled across the league. The Indiana Fever hired Stephanie White, the Sky hired Tyler Marsh and the Atlanta Dream hired Carl Smesko earlier this month.
it's been well reported The WNBA coaching position is drawing interest from the broader basketball community, including NBA and college circles.
“I can't say enough about what the interest is. WNBABut outside of the WNBA, it’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” Miller said. “This will only increase.”
What the Wings are looking for in their top draft pick
In his first media appearance, Miller did not provide details about which players the Wings were currently eyeing, but he did emphasize that team culture is a top priority.
“I still strongly believe in the philosophy that championships are won by locker rooms and culture,” Miller said. “So adding a cultural element to the locker room is a huge thing.”
He also stated that he has no intention of becoming the Wings' coach and that new draft picks will be determined in conjunction with new players.
“This is no longer a team that I coach,” said Miller, who has been head coach since 2001. “I have a new role to really support the head coach and listen to his opinion on their style and qualities.” What he looks for in his players. ”
The Buccaneers are widely expected to finish first. If that happens, she will be paired with Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale. He has been with the Wings for six seasons and is the franchise's all-time leading scorer. Ogunbowale was the league's second leading scorer in 2024, averaging 22.2 points per game.
Miller said Ogunbowale was the only one who responded to the text message at the time it was released to the media, and that Ogunbowale was thrilled the franchise won the draft lottery and expressed his excitement on social media. .
I just fell to my knees. Thank you Lord!
— Arike Ogunbowale (@Arike_O) November 17, 2024
Last season, the Wings finished with the league's second-worst record at 9-31, just one season after going 22-18 and making the playoffs. The team had many injuries and fell short of expectations.
The big question this offseason, other than the head coaching search, is whether forward Sato Sabally will re-sign with Dallas. Sabally, who was one of the league's best players in 2023, is one of this winter's most coveted free agents.
Miller was asked about how this selection would affect Sabally's chances of re-signing Sabally, but he did not elaborate.
“Each discussion is important, not one at a time, but obviously I can't wait to talk to the team and discuss what this brings,” he said.
Either way, Miller said the Wings will prioritize culture and character in solidifying their still-unconsolidated 2025 roster.
“Culture players, players who play unselfishly, players who think they're bigger than themselves, players who fill out the roster, not just this No. 1 pick, you're going to hear those words over and over again. We have a roster of unselfish, high-character players who play in a fun, up-tempo style,” Miller said.
