The Dallas Wings are preparing for a crucial matchup against the Connecticut Sun on Wednesday, August 27. The team’s plans have been impacted by a recent injury to rookie point guard JJ Quinerly. With Quinerly now out for the season due to an ACL sprain, the team’s star player, Paige Bueckers, faces a role shift and must step up to provide the necessary cover. This shift could have a significant impact on the team and the WNBA as all eyes turn to Paige. Will Coach Chris Koclanes’ experiment work?
Wings Star Paige Bueckers Faces Role Shift After Quinerly Injury
JJ Quinerly Injury Sparking the Role Change
JJ Quinerly has been a key player for the Dallas Wings. In 34 games, the 27th overall pick averaged 6.5 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, and hopes were high that her rookie season in the WNBA would yield great results. The team, players, and fans are disappointed that we have seen the last of Quinerly for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season.
Quinerly’s ACL sprain came against the Los Angeles Sparks on August 20, and yesterday, the Wings announced she would miss the rest of the season. Her injury is a disappointing end to an impressive campaign. With Quinerly out, Bueckers must step up to cover her absence.
Can Paige Bueckers Fill the Void?
Paige has been the difference-maker for the Dallas Wings this season. When coach Koclanes offered her solution to Quinerly’s absence, he said, “Quinerly’s injury will lead to Bueckers being on the ball more.” The question on the minds of many is whether she can fill Quinerly’s shoes.
Already, Paige Bueckers is the team’s top scorer and playmaker. She has averaged 19.0 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. However, she has benefited from the support of Quinerly and Grace Berger. With Quinerly now injured, Paige will become the primary initiator of the team’s offense. She will have to spend more time at point guard and set the tempo for the team.
While Bueckers has played mainly as an off-ball scorer, she will now depend not only on her shooting ability but also on her ability to be the primary ball handler. This mentality shift will not be easy for Paige. With her limited experience as a point guard, she needs to adapt quickly and make a significant impact on the team.
An Early Indicator For the Wings
The team’s upcoming game against the Connecticut Sun will give the coaching staff a chance to see if this experiment works. The Dallas Wings are not the only team affected by injuries to key players. Thus, if Paige can step up for Quinerly and maintain her output, this could provide a blueprint for other teams facing injury crises.
The WNBA is increasingly demanding that players adapt to their team’s needs. Injuries are sidelining stars for entire seasons, forcing others to step up. Paige Bueckers must shoulder the responsibility of replacing JJ Quinerly. If she succeeds, the Dallas Wings may set an example for the rest of the league.
© Chris Jones-Imagn Images
