ESPN takes small dig at Paige Bueckers after Mavericks, Cowboys lose biggest stars

Could Paige Bueckers be the last major sports figure in Dallas during the city's current iteration? ESPN weighs in.

Aug 29, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) talks to Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in the second quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Dallas sports couldn't be going through more of a tailspin than it is right now. Even though the bright spots have seen the Dallas Mavericks and Dallas Wings secure their respective No. 1 overall selections in Duke's Cooper Flagg and UConn women's basketball's Paige Bueckers, there is still a long way to go before both franchises are deemed relevant.

The hierarchy of Dallas talent may have taken a slight hit, however. A little over a week before rge Dallas Cowboys' season is set to get underway, Micah Parsons was aquired by the Green Bay Packers in a stunning, football-shifting move that could ultimately change the trajectory of the season. With Parsons out of the picture, Dallas sports teams have few budding stars to rally around. With arguable thin options, Bueckers, who will enter her second season come next spring, could be that answer.

Paige Bueckers' Stardom Hinted By ESPN

Aug 29, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) in action against the Atlanta Dream in the fourth quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

ESPN, at the very least, thinks so.

As "NFL Live" reached its end-of-week conclusion this past Friday, the panel took a side swipe at some of the changes Dallas fans have endured. While it isn't ideal, Mina Kimes suggests it's part of the gig after all, which allowed her fellow partner Phill Murphy, to ask the difficult question surronding Bueckers' immediate future.

READ MORE: WNBA legend offers high praise to Paige Bueckers after tying record

"Mina, you worried about maybe Paige Bueckers in a blockbuster, maybe getting shipped away from the Wings?” Murphy asked initially.

Although Kimes didn't address Bueckers by name, a recurring theme remains evident.

"I feel bad for Dallas fans, but the difference between the Cowboys and Mavericks is Cooper Flagg’s not walking through that door in Dallas,” Kimes said. “They’re not getting that first overall pick out of this.”

For now, though, Bueckers remains heavily committed to turning the franchise into a winner. Bueckers has not only drawn inspiration to herself, but her teammates and fellow WNBA superstars who have noted her immediate growth throughout her roolie season thus far.

Paige Bueckers Sees Potential In Dallas Wings

Aug 29, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Dream in the first quarter at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images / Brett Davis-Imagn Images

“The people we have here and the belief we have in the things we are building," Bueckers told reporters Friday. "I just have this undying belief. I know that if we continue doing things the right way…and we believe in each other…the results will come."

The Wings don't have much more room for growth with about a month separating the regular season from its conclusion, as the postseason is well out of reach.

Whether Dallas competes the turnaround with Bueckers in the coming years must still play out, but her intrigue couldn't be more plausible.

READ MORE: Paige Bueckers draws inspiration from Steph Curry amid Dallas Wings' skid

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