UConn’s Paige Bueckers, one of the top prospects for the upcoming WNBA Draft, has found herself at the center of speculation regarding her professional future.
Despite being widely projected as the number-one pick, rumors suggest that Bueckers might be reluctant to join the Dallas Wings and instead prefers to play for the Los Angeles Sparks.
These reports are drawing comparisons to the infamous 2004 NFL Draft, where Eli Manning famously refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, sparking a trade to the New York Giants.
In a January 8 appearance on the Hoffman Women’s Sports Show, WNBA journalist Howard Megdal shared details about Bueckers’ situation. He noted that sources around the league believe she could follow in Eli Manning’s footsteps, maneuvering to secure a move away from Dallas.
Just as Manning orchestrated his trade after being drafted by the Chargers, basketball fans are speculating that Bueckers might seek a trade to a team that aligns more with her preferences.
Concerns about the Dallas Wings
A key reason for Bueckers’ reluctance toward the Wings could be their recent struggles. Despite her immense talent, the Wings finished with a dismal 9-31 record last season.
The team’s lack of stability and a deep roster may not be an appealing environment for a player of Bueckers’ caliber. Furthermore, the presence of Arike Ogunbowale, one of the league’s top stars, could make it difficult for a newcomer to assume the franchise leader role.
Ogunbowale, a four-time All-Star and former scoring leader, has been at the heart of the Wings’ roster since being drafted in 2019. While Ogunbowale remains a crucial asset, her dominance on the court could limit Bueckers’ opportunities to shape the team in her image.
Unlike most WNBA prospects, Bueckers holds significant leverage. Due to injuries and the COVID-19 season, she still has one more year of college eligibility. This unique situation means she could choose not to enter the draft at all or inform the Wings that she won’t play for them, forcing the team to explore trade options for the first overall pick.
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Since the Wings moved to Dallas in 2017, they have had trouble maintaining stability. They’ve failed to secure long-term success and have had coaching changes more frequently than many would like. Despite a strong showing in 2023 with their first-round playoff series victory, their inconsistent performance leaves much to be desired.
For now, the situation remains speculative. Only Paige Bueckers and those closest to her know her true intentions. As the WNBA Draft approaches, the basketball world will be watching closely to see whether Bueckers will take a page out of Eli Manning’s book and negotiate her future in the league, or if she’ll accept her draft position with the Wings.
Which Wild Card Game Is Tom Brady Broadcasting? How To Tune In To The Fox NFL Analyst
Fox analyst Tom Brady (Image Credit: Getty Images)
The NFL playoffs are here, and for the first time ever, Tom Brady is trading the field for the broadcast booth. After years of thrilling fans and tormenting rivals with his legendary plays, Brady will bring his insights to the mic as Fox Sports’ lead analyst. Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his impact on football. Now, he’s ready to tackle a new challenge: breaking down the action for millions of viewers.
Here’s everything you need to know about Brady’s playoff debut, the game he’s calling, and what lies ahead for the seven-time Super Bowl champion.
What Wild Card Game Is Tom Brady Broadcasting?
Brady will be in the booth for Eagles vs. Packers, kicking off at 4:30 p.m. ET. He’ll join play-by-play veteran Kevin Burkhardt, with sideline reports from Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi. This matchup promises fireworks, with the No. 2-seeded Eagles hosting the No. 7-seeded Packers in a rematch of their Week 1 showdown in Brazil.
Philadelphia edged out Green Bay in that international clash, winning 34-29. Saquon Barkley stole the show in his Eagles debut, racking up three touchdowns. The Eagles enter the playoffs at 14-3, having rested their starters in Week 18. Meanwhile, the Packers limp into the postseason with an 11-6 record, losing their last two games. While Green Bay finished third in a competitive NFC North, they shouldn’t be underestimated.
How to Watch the Game
If you’re ready to see Tom Brady in action off the field, tune in to Fox on Wild Card Weekend. His debut in the booth for the Eagles-Packers showdown is shaping up to be a must-watch. Whether he’s analyzing big plays, breaking down strategies, or sharing stories from his iconic career, Brady’s insights are bound to add an extra layer of intrigue to this high-stakes game.
