Diamond DeShields could be the next major building block for the Dallas Wings

Diamond DeShields is on her way to the Dallas Wings and could be the next building block for the franchise to become a contender.

In 2019, Diamond DeShields finished the season with the Chicago Sky starting all 34 games where she averaged 16.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game.

After the 2019 season, DeShields would go through a life-changing experience. After playing overseas after the WNBA regular season, she received an MRI on January 17, 2020. The MRI revealed a small tumor in her spinal cord which would require surgery to have it removed. Dr. Edwin Ramos, who performed the surgery, indicated how risky it was and that there was a chance of paralysis.

After the surgery, the 6-foot-1 guard experienced nerve damage. The road to rehab was difficult and the nerve damage caused twitching, loss of body control, and loss of feeling.

Six months later, the Florida native would find her way back on the court during the WNBA Bubble season in 2020. Despite the hard work and intense rehab, she would re-injure herself again by reaggravating her damaged nerves. In the Wubble, DD averaged 6.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 43.4 percent from the floor. After the Wubble season, she took the whole year to heal/rehab in order to be ready for the 2021 season.

In 2021 DeShields returned to the Sky and played 32 games and started in 22. She seemed to appear in her normal form. Her athleticism was there and she was able to take contact on both ends of the floor. The Florida native finished the 2021 season averaging 26.9 minutes, 11.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 39.3 percent from the floor.

At the end of the 2021 season, DD won her first championship. DeShields recovering from her surgery is a heartwarming story and nothing short of a miracle.

After lifting the championship trophy at the end of the 2021 season, the 6-foot-1 guard found herself being traded to the Phoenix Mercury. She would play with the Mercury for the entire 2022 season.

While playing in Phoenix, DeShields averaged 13.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 38.8 percent from the floor. The Mercury would end up being bounced in the first round by the Las Vegas Aces but she scored 21 points in Game 1 and 18 in Game 2.

After another offseason trade, she is now a member of the Dallas Wings and potentially a transformational addition. Here are three reasons why the Wing have found their next franchise piece.

Diamond DeShields: Athleticism and speed

This offseason the Wings have been building in the front and backcourt. DeShields is a major addition to this roster. Prior to her injury, the 2021 champion was lightning-quick with or without the ball. She can close in on defense and she can turn the corner for an easy layup from any angle on the floor.

Currently, the Wings roster has plenty of youth but speed is one thing the team needs to improve on.

Arike Ogunbowale, Crystal Dangerfield, and Satou Sabally will be a perfect match for DD because they can run the floor together on the break. Ogunbowale is a magician with the ball in her hand and can get to any spot on the floor. Sabally spaces the floor on the fast break and in the half-court. Dangerfield can draw multiple defenders and can kick the ball out to the open women. She can also get to the basket and finish with either hand.

DeShields will be another quick ball handler on the roster. She can play on or off the ball and she will be able to help the team play at a quicker pace. Not to mention, she will be a strong running mate for Ogunbowale who oftentimes has to take on the primary ball-handling load.

Diamond DeShields: Scoring

Last season, Dallas finished in sixth place with an 18-18 record and was bounced in the first round of the playoffs.

The Wings ranked fourth in scoring during the 2022 season with an average of 82.9 points per game. Adding DeShields to this roster will improve the teams scoring because of her ability to impact the game in multiple ways.

The sixth-year guard can shoot from all three levels of the floor. She can get to the rim at will and create her own shot. But one of her best abilities is playmaking for others and her unselfish style of play. DeShields is an excellent passer who is able to see the floor with her 6-foot-1 frame. She is also a willing passer who loves to get her teammates involved.

Although DD only averaged 2.2 assists last season, she will help this offense make the extra pass. Ogunbowale will have a teammate that can score the ball at a high clip and get other players involved.

Diamond DeShields: Franchise material

Before DeShields suffered a life-altering injury, she was ascending as the face of the franchise for the Chicago Sky. Chicago drafted DD with the third overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft.

The Dallas guard has averaged double digits in scoring since being drafted in 2018 with the exception of the Wubble season (2020). DeShields averaged 13.1 points per game in 2022 playing with the Mercury which is impressive considering their roster build.

In addition to DD’s scoring, she is poised on and off the court and is a born leader. Players have an enormous amount of respect for the Tennessee product, especially after overcoming a tumor and the grueling rehab process.

Dallas can use DeShields as a combo guard in the backcourt with Ogumbowale or at the small forward position. She will also be able to defend opposing star players and give this team a leadership boost as a veteran who has won a title.

Being traded to the Wings is a fresh start for the number three overall pick. She will be able to leave her mark and help mentor younger players, while potentially lifting Dallas to a new level.

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