Wings confidence still high in Aussie Alanna

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The Dallas Wings remain confident in Australian Opals star Alanna Smith's ability to be a cornerstone of the franchise's future despite a slow start to her tenure with the team, according to Grant Afseth from the Dallas Hoops Journal.

Smith, who won last year's Defensive Player of the Year award along with A'ja Wilson, signed a three-year deal to join young star Paige Bueckers and the Wings in free agency after two of the best seasons of her WNBA career with the Minnesota Lynx, which included a run to the Finals in 2024.

But the 29-year-old forward was dealt a major setback in the preseason after suffering a nasal fracture during a game against the Las Vegas Aces, forcing her to have to wear a face mask this season and it has clearly had an impact on her production.

Smith is averaging just 17.8 minutes per game for Dallas - the lowest minutes per game since her 2022 season with the Indiana Fever, and 3.9 points per game - her lowest since her 2021 season with the Phoenix Mercury.

To put that into perspective, the Hobart product averaged 26.5 minutes per game in her last three seasons - stretching back to a stint with the Chicago Sky - with her production never falling below nine points and 5.1 rebounds in those years.

"The stats definitely show (it's been a challenge for Smith)," Asfeth told basketball.com.au.

"She’s playing the fewest minute per game since she was with Indiana and she’s shooting just 33.3% FG and 11.1% 3P.

"The Wings sound very confident in her abilities, though, considering she’s played through the nasal fracture. They are a deep team and have gotten off to a 7-3 start despite that production from her.

"I think that’s a strong sign for when she finds a rhythm. It’s also not just Alanna, Arike (Ogunbowale) is producing career low efficiency. When veterans like that are clicking, they have really intriguing potential, in my opinion."

However, despite her perceived struggles with production, Smith was also recruited by the Wings to be a leader under new coach Jose Fernandez and a young core, headlined by Bueckers and fellow No.1 draft pick Azzi Fudd.

"I definitely do (think Smith has had an impact on the team)," Asfeth said.

"The team strongly values her as a defensive anchor. They really value her voice."

Asfeth wrote about that in a recent piece in the Dallas Hoops Journal after talking to Fernandez and Bueckers about what Smith brings to the franchise.

“She’s just a fighter. She’s a competitor. She just wants to win, and for her, it’s like, how can she bring wins? That’s all she really cares about,” Bueckers said.

“I know obviously being out with that little illness wasn’t great, but she’s just going to be right back in the gym. She’s a workhorse, and she just comes into the gym with a positive attitude.”

Fernandez also said in the piece that Smith needed to be "shown some grace" after returning from the nasal fracture.