Teaira

McCowan

With the Wings acquiring Diamond Miller and Karlie Samuelson from the Lynx in exchange for DiJonai Carrington, the team needed to free up a roster spot to complete the transaction. As a result, McCowan has been waived and will be an unrestricted free agent once she clears waivers. The 6-foot-7 center appeared in 17 games this season, all off the bench, averaging 5.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 12.9 minutes. The Wings will continue to rely on Luisa Geiselsöder as their starting center, with Myisha Hines-Allen and Li Yueru coming off the bench.

McCowan arguably had her best game of the season on Sunday against Las Vegas. The veteran center led all players in rebounds, was one of four Dallas players to record a steal, and finished as one of two Wings players to score in double figures off the bench. All of McCowan’s scoring production came in the second half, mostly when the Wings’ deficit was large. Still, her performance on Sunday could potentially earn her some increased opportunities on Monday against the Liberty.

After missing Tuesday’s game against Seattle, Hines-Allen will remain sidelined against Golden State on Friday. She has started 15 of 23 games this season for the Wings, posting averages of 6.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.9 assists. The Wings will have to rely on Teaira McCowan for frontcourt depth behind Li Yueru, as they look to secure back-to-back wins.

Initially questionable for Dallas’ first game out of the All-Star break, Hines-Allen is now out. Her absence leaves the Wings down an option in the frontcourt, with Teaira McCowan’s playing time likely increasing. McCowan only played four minutes in Dallas’ final game before the break, a July 16 loss to the Aces.

Despite Thursday’s game being her first since rejoining the Wings after playing in EuroBasket, Geiselsöder was immediately inserted into the starting lineup and played 33 minutes. While the rookie forward did not shoot the ball well from the field, missing all four of her three-point attempts, she was effective as a defender with four “stocks.” Dallas trading NaLyssa Smith to the Aces means Geiselsöder should remain a starter for the foreseeable future, raising her fantasy ceiling. Teaira McCowan also returned from EuroBasket, finishing Thursday’s win with nine points, three rebounds and two blocks in 16 minutes off the bench. Unlike Geiselsöder, McCowan is not a player who needs to be rostered in standard leagues.

Due to a right ankle injury, Hines-Allen is not guaranteed to be available Thursday night. While the Wings did trade NaLyssa Smith to the Aces earlier in the week, the returns of Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder from EuroBasket and the addition of Liatu King should help alleviate any potential depth concerns.

With Teaira McCowan and Luise Geiselsöder returning from FIBA Women’s EuroBasket, the Wings needed to free up a roster spot. Unfortunately for Jones, that spelled an end to her time in Dallas. The former first-round pick appeared in two games for the Wings, most recently tallying eight points, seven rebounds and two assists in Saturday’s win over the Mystics.

Saturday’s performance was Hines-Allen’s best since being moved to the bench ahead of Dallas’ June 24 win over the Dream. Having totaled 17 points in the two games prior, the veteran forward’s tally against the Mystics was one shy of her season-high. Hines-Allen matched her season-high in steals and provided solid value in the rebound and assist categories. Li Yueru remains the starter and finished Saturday’s win with four points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one blocked shot in 19 minutes. Li remains the superior fantasy option for now, but that may change when Teaira McCowan and Luisa Geiselsöder rejoin the team next week after playing in EuroBasket.

Friday’s loss to the Sparks was the last WNBA game that McCowan will play for a while, possibly until late June or early July. She has left the Wings to begin preparations with Turkey for the upcoming FIBA Women’s EuroBasket event. With starters NaLyssa Smith and Myisha Hines-Allen having struggled recently, the Wings will be in a difficult spot in June. Luisa Geiselsoder, who played well on Friday, should pick up additional minutes in the short term, but she’ll be competing in EuroBasket as well, representing Germany. Dallas will need better play from Smith and Hines-Allen if they’re to snap out of their early-season funk.

Hines-Allen was limited to 13 minutes in Saturday’s loss to the Dream, dropping Dallas to 0-4 on the season. If the veteran forward cannot play on Tuesday, a spot in the starting lineup opens up. Teaira McCowan is a potential replacement if Hines-Allen cannot play, providing points, rebounds and a solid field-goal percentage. There may also be more minutes available to fellow starter NaLyssa Smith, who played 19 minutes on Saturday.