Forward Alanna Smith has struggled to start her first season with the Dallas Wings. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year, who signed a three-year max deal with Dallas during the offseason, is averaging only 3.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks.
Those numbers are a massive drop from her 2025 averages of 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.9 blocks with the Minnesota Lynx.
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The Wings have also not improved much defensively even with Smith’s addition, as they rank 11th in defensive rating (106.9) this season. They were 12th last year at 109.1.
Despite her disappointing play so far, however, there’s no denying that Smith remains a crucial part of what Dallas is trying to do.
When the Wings gave her a $3.7 million deal, general manager Curt Miller said that they value her “unbelievable versatility” on defense, as she’s someone who “can play multiple coverages and drastically affect shots around the paint.”
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Dallas Wings forward Alanna Smith (8) poses for a photo.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Is Alanna Smith Playing Today in Wings vs. Aces?
Smith’s impact on the Wings should be tested when the team plays the reigning WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces, on Thursday night. After all, Las Vegas boasts the best center in the pros in A’ja Wilson.
However, it looks like Smith won’t be 100% for the game, even if she plays. The Wings listed the defensive star as “probable” against the Aces due to an undisclosed illness.
Smith did not practice on Wednesday, making her condition even more concerning heading to the showdown.
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A probable status usually means there’s a high likelihood that the player will suit up. But even if Smith does play, it remains to be seen if she’ll have some sort of limitations.
If Smith ends up sitting out, the likes of Awak Kuier, Jessica Shepard, Maddy Siegrist and Li Yueru are expected to get more playing time in her place.
Related: Paige Bueckers Avoids WNBA Punishment After Wings-Dream Incident
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on May 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
