Sheryl Swoopes refuses to put 100% blame on Paige Bueckers' coach Chris Koclanes amid nightmare start

Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings are off to a 1-10 start ahead of their road game against the Las Vegas Aces on Friday. The No. 1 pick has returned from a concussion, but even a career-high 35-point game against the Phoenix Mercury was not enough. However, WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes doesn't think Wings coach Chris Koclanes is the only reason for the team's struggles.

After winning a national championship at UConn in April, Bueckers has delivered on the hype she entered the league with. The 23-year-old has quickly become the face of the team, leading the Wings' offense so far this season. Koclanes was brought in this offseason to help introduce a new culture in Dallas. Unfortunately, the team's dysfunction has manifested into a disastrous start to the 2025 season.

Swoopes, a Hall of Famer and a four-time WNBA champion, gave her thoughts on the situation in Dallas on "The Women's Hoop Show " on Thursday. According to her, Koclanes might be the first name fans bring up when talking about the Wings' lackluster start, but he is not the only one who should be criticized for it.

"I am not going to put all of the blame on Chris," Swoopes said. "(Wings general manager) Curt Miller, this is your hire... Yes, Chris has got to take a lot of the ownership, but so does Curt. It's one thing to be friends, but this is about wins and losses."

The WNBA legend is shocked that Dallas sits at the bottom of the WNBA standings, considering the talent on the roster.

"I was excited about Nalyssa (Smith) and DiJonai (Carrington), of course Paige, Arike's coming back, Teaira McCowan," Swoopes said. "The pieces that they have, there's no way they should be 1-9!"

The Wings are at risk of falling out of playoff contention early. The 2025 season was supposed to be a bounce-back season led by Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, but Dallas sits at the bottom of the standings, two games worse than the second-worst Connecticut Sun.

Paige Bueckers might have to take a leadership role earlier than expected

When Paige Bueckers was drafted by the Dallas Wings, experts thought it was a match made in heaven. Dallas has struggled to remain relevant and retain their stars outside of Arike Ogunbowale throughout recent years, and fans believe that their new rookie can help rebuild the team's image and guide them back into contention.

The standout rookie has done her best to fuel the Wings' efforts in each contest, leading the team in points, assists, steals and blocks per game. However, her efforts have not translated into wins. It is rare that a rookie takes on a leadership role immediately, but she is ready to accept the challenge.

"Just trying to lead by example," Bueckers said via ClutchPoints' Joey Mistretta on Thursday. "Lead with my voice and just have difficult conversations. Get to know these people on and off the court. ... Like anything in life it's a journey and a process."

Swoopes offered her thoughts on Bueckers' role this season, suggesting that the team could be putting too much pressure on the rookie. Despite that, she is excited about the Wings' 2025 rookie class.

"Paige, being a rookie, you're asking way too much of her," Swoopes said. "You got a nice draft! You got JJ Quinerly, who is going to be a really good player in this league. Aziaha James, who's going to be a really good player in this league. They don't look like this because of the lack of talent."

Fans around the league have compared this year's No. 1 pick to last year's. Caitlin Clark endured some struggles before settling in and leading the Indiana Fever to the playoffs in her rookie season. The Wings hope that Bueckers can do the same and help the team dig out of the early hole they find themselves in.