WNBA: Why Paige Bueckers’ Dallas debut is the biggest preseason story

With WNBA training camps in full swing and preseason games now beginning, teams across the league are integrating new talent and reworking their systems ahead of what should be another exciting season. Here are four key storylines worth paying attention to:

Paige Bueckers: Can her game translate immediately in Dallas?

By drafting Paige Bueckers No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft, the Dallas Wings have energized a franchise looking to establish a new identity. Bueckers brings a polished offensive skill set that could transform the Wings’ attack.

Her court vision and midrange shooting stand out as the elements most likely to translate to the WNBA immediately. Her ability to process reads quickly and navigate tight spaces in the halfcourt should pay immediate dividends for a Wings team that was overly-reliant on Arike Ogunbowale’s offense last season.

While the WNBA features more athletic defenders, Bueckers’ balance and touch on her jumper makes her a dangerous player against drop coverage defenses. The question remains whether she can consistently create the same space against WNBA-caliber athletes that she did against college defenders.

The biggest adaptation for Bueckers may come with finishing and getting to her spots. Though fundamentally sound, she’ll face a significant physical adjustment against professional defenders. Head coach Chris Koclanes will also need to determine how to use Bueckers defensively, given that this Wings team was historically bad on that end of the floor last season.

During preseason action, watch for how the Wings incorporate Bueckers into their offensive sets. Will they put the ball in her hands immediately as their primary creator, or gradually increase her responsibilities? What will her role be on the defensive end? These decisions could define Dallas’ ceiling this season.

Chicago Sky: Is Kamilla Cardoso going to be an offensive hub?

The Chicago Sky’s rebuilding process largely will center around 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardoso. She didn’t have the best rookie season from a statistical standpoint, but early preseason indications suggest the Sky are experimenting with Cardoso as an offensive focal point, running significant action through her in the post. Her passing from the high post has been particularly intriguing, showing flashes of vision.

Is this approach sustainable? The evidence is mixed. Cardoso’s shot only 56 percent at the rim last year, which was almost 7 percent below league average. Her footwork and strength will need to show massive improvements for this to be a viable long-term option.

The Sky seem committed to this development path, understanding that even if Cardoso isn’t ready to be a primary offensive option immediately, the reps she receives now will accelerate her growth. The organization appears willing to weather potential growing pains in service of their long-term vision.

The Sky did upgrade the team’s shooting in the offseason, which will be crucial if they want the Cardoso-Angel Reese frontcourt pairing to work, but it will be interesting to see how both play when sharing the court together, and if that will look any different than last season.

Indiana Fever: What will the new starting five look like?

The Indiana Fever’s new-look starting lineup has the potential to be historically good on offense. They picked up veteran role players that complement Caitlin Clark’s dynamic, fast-paced style. This preseason, all eyes will be on how their core group has evolved and what the starting lineup looks like.

With Clark entering her second season, her comfort level orchestrating the offense will likely be significantly improved. Last season, she slowly and steadily started to figure out the game, as evidenced by her second-half statistical explosion.

DeWanna Bonner and Sophie Cunningham will be noticeable improvements at the forward spot, especially with their shooting and defense. Natasha Howard, if she’s engaged on the defensive end, will also be an upgrade over NaLyssa Smith.

Defensively, the unit still shows concerning gaps on the perimeter. While Boston’s rim protection remains elite, too many opposing guards got downhill without any resistance. Head coach Stephanie White has experimented with more aggressive pick-and-roll coverages to address this vulnerability in training camp, icing ball screens and placing an emphasis on communication and timely rotations.

The starting lineup appears to be Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Bonner, Howard and Boston. This preseason will be the first time we see this team in action.

Las Vegas Aces: How does Jewell Loyd fit with the championship core?

The most stunning move of the offseason saw perennial All-Star Jewell Loyd traded from the Seattle Storm to the Las Vegas Aces, joining the already formidable title contender. There are some questions about her fit and role.

Loyd has primarily operated off the ball in her career, which should allow Chelsea Gray to maintain primary ball-handling responsibilities. This should also amplify Loyd’s catch-and-shoot capabilities rather than her self-creation skills, which will be significant role adjustment.

The spacing between Loyd and Jackie Young is worth watching in preseason. Loyd struggled with efficiency and shot selection issues in Seattle, but this could be explained by a weak offensive supporting cast. Young has thrived as an outside shooter, but is somewhat limited as a playmaker. Kelsey Plum, who was included in the trade for Loyd, was so valuable to Vegas’s offense because she was a great outside shooter and good playmaker that could take on a larger offensive responsibility when needed.

The big question will be how head coach Becky Hammon staggers minutes and lineups in preseason. This will say a lot about Loyd’s role offensively and how the Aces plan to maximize her. A’ja Wilson remains the unquestioned centerpiece, and her chemistry with Loyd will also determine the ceiling of this experiment.

While preseason conclusions aren’t to be taken as gospel, the early returns could say a lot about how teams could start the season, which should make this next few weeks of action exciting to watch.