Paige Bookers could go all Eli Manning if she is against joining the Wings in the draft

He was expected to be the top pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, UConn women’s basketball superstar Paige Bookers is rumored to be reluctant to play for the Dallas Wings, and instead prefers the Los Angeles Sparks, drawing parallels with Eli ManningA memorable decision during the 2004 NFL Draft.

WNBA reporter Howard Megdal claims that the sources are close the situation suggests that Bueckers’ move to Dallas is far from certain. During a Jan. 8 appearance on Hoffman Women’s Sports, Megdal stated, “I reported in the IX Newsletter that there is a widespread belief around the league that (Bueckers) will end up with Eli Manning.

Paige Bookers is going the way of Eli Manning

Manning, a highly regarded quarterback from Ole Miss, famously declined to play for the San Diego Chargers after being selected first overall. He orchestrated a trade to the New York Giants for 4th overall pick Philip Rivers. Now, basketball fans are speculating if Bueckers could take a similar route to secure her ideal professional destination before making her WNBA debut.

Reports suggest Bueckers may be hesitant to join a Wings team that finished a disappointing 9-31 last season, despite her reputation as a generational talent.

The Wings also feature one of the WNBA’s most prominent point guards, Arike Ogunbowale, a four-time All-Star, former scoring leader and All-Star Game MVP. Since being drafted fifth overall in 2019, Ogunbowale has been a cornerstone of the team, posing a significant challenge for any up-and-coming player aspiring to take on the role of franchise leader.

“I asked eight WNBA talent evaluators what chance they gave Bueckers’ reps of trying the same maneuver as Eli Manning.” Estimates ranged from 90% to 200%,” Medgal added.

Paige Bookers with all the influence on the Dallas Wings

The Dallas Wings were drafted Texas star Charlie Collier as the first pick in the 2021 VNBA Draft, but parted ways with her after just 45 games over two seasons. Her release drew criticism of the team’s ability to develop talent, especially since Collier dominated in college, averaging 19 points, 11.3 rebounds and nearly two blocks per game.

Paige is in complete control of this scenario. He has one more year of college eligibility due to injuries and the COVID season. If she informs the Wings that she won’t play for them and decides not to enter the draft, will Dallas try to trade the pick for something instead of letting it go?

It’s not entirely unrealistic to consider. Since moving to Dallas in 2017, the Wings have yet to have a head coach past more than two seasons. Although they won a first-round series in 2023, that remains their only playoff win since moving from Tulsa.

Over the past six seasons, they’ve missed the playoffs as often as they’ve made it. Arike Ogunbowale bolsters their roster, but other than her, the team lacks a deep pool of young talent or a solid core to attract Bueckers.

For now, everything remains speculative. Only Paige and those close to her really know what she’s thinking. This situation is likely to develop over the next few months. For context, Caitlin Clark made the decision to enter the draft in late February.