DALLAS — NaLyssa Smith’s WNBA journey has taken her from the frenzy of Caitlin Clark’s rookie year with the Indiana Fever to the emerging Paige Bueckers era in Dallas.
A former No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Baylor, Smith was candid last year about her dissatisfaction with her role in Indiana. Her trade to the Dallas Wings during the offseason offered a chance to reset. It also gave her a front-row seat to the rise of two of the league’s newest stars and a better understanding of how to support that kind of spotlight as a teammate.
“It’s really the same vibe,” Smith said ahead of Friday’s game against her former team. “Even when we’re away, it feels like a home game with the crowd behind Paige. The energy’s wild for both of them. When they’re both on this court together, it’s going to be electric.”
Clark, however, missed the matchup due to a groin injury. Smith still made an impact, posting seven points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, though the Wings ultimately lost 94-86 after erasing a 23-point deficit.
Smith had voiced a desire for more responsibility last season, having seen her playing time and production dip compared to her 2022 rookie year. In the playoffs, her minutes dwindled dramatically, signaling a shift. A three-team trade on Jan. 31 sent her to Dallas and brought Sophie Cunningham to the Fever. The move took her from a postseason team to a rebuilding one.
The Wings have undergone major changes firing head coach Latricia Trammell and restructuring their front office after a 9-31 finish. Under new coach Chris Koclanes, the team started the season by losing 11 of its first 12 games. Smith, though, has started 14 of 17 games, albeit in a more limited role. She entered Friday averaging 6.9 points and 4.5 rebounds in 18.4 minutes per game.
Lately, however, her impact has been trending upward. Over the past four games, she’s averaged 7.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. The Wings won three of those, and in the one they lost an overtime thriller in Washington Smith played 32 minutes. Koclanes has praised her work ethic and defensive energy, while noting she’s still adjusting to the team’s new offensive schemes.
“She’s grown a lot,” Koclanes said. “What she went through last year gave her perspective. She’s become more of a pro mentally and emotionally and that’s something our team can lean on.”
Teammate Myisha Hines-Allen said Smith’s defensive presence was a game-changer in a recent win over Atlanta, where she blocked three shots. Against Washington, she added four more blocks, accounting for almost half of her season total of 15.
“She’s relentless on the boards,” Hines-Allen said. “She might not always grab the rebound herself, but she disrupts things enough for us to secure it. And offensively, she’s starting to find her rhythm. She’s incredibly athletic and always eager to improve.”
In Friday’s loss to Indiana, Smith tallied 7 points and 10 boards in 26 minutes of action.
Her family made the four-hour drive from San Antonio to Dallas for the game a much shorter trip than the ones they used to make to Indiana. That support system, Smith said, has been essential.
“I truly believe this trade was a blessing in disguise,” she said. “It didn’t feel like a setback it came at the right time. I’m surrounded by family, friends, and good people. I’m happy here.”
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