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Why Lauren Betts could be Paige Bueckers' co-star for Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Jeremy Brener

UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts and her sister center Lauren Betts.
UCLA Bruins forward Sienna Betts and her sister center Lauren Betts. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Dallas Wings could select UCLA center Lauren Betts with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

If they do, they will be taking the best rim protector in the draft and she could be one of the best in the WNBA next season.

"Betts was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year last season largely because she was the best rim protector in the country," CBS Sports contributor Jack Maloney wrote.

"Her size and length allows her to swallow up opponents in the post, and she has excellent timing when arriving from the weak side. Despite challenging so many shots, she rarely fouls -- in her four seasons in college she has never averaged more than 1.9 fouls per game -- which allows her to stay on the floor. 

"Defenders have more to deal with in the WNBA -- defensive three-second rule, better and more athletic opponents, etc. -- but Betts' rim protection will immediately translate to the professional level. She has the size and defensive instincts to control the paint for a team for years to come."

READ MORE: Why Dallas Wings shouldn't select Azzi Fudd with No. 1 overall pick

UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts drives past Cal Poly Mustangs forward Gillian Bears
UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts drives past Cal Poly Mustangs forward Gillian Bears. / Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Betts could solve Wings' problem

Betts will have the chance to be the primary defender for whichever team she joins next season. If it is the Wings, she would replace Li Yueru, who is a free agent and can sign with any team.

Free agency will have a large impact on what the Wings end up doing in the draft. Once that is taken care of, the muddiness of the No. 1 overall pick will clear up.

Before free agency and the draft can take place, the league needs to agree with the Players Association on a new collective bargaining agreement. The two sides have agreed to come to a resolution by Jan. 9.

READ MORE: Wings star Paige Bueckers is ready for first taste of the Unrivaled League

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several On SI sites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid and resides in Central Florida. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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