Training camp spotlight: Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers lead the way in WNBA preseason action
Wide-Open WNBA Championship Picture
The 2023 WNBA training camp is in full swing, and this season promises to be thrilling with an impressive roster of talented players. The attention, however, primarily focuses on the two teams gracing the league with the sport's brightest young superstars.
Caitlin Clark is set to return for her second year with the Indiana Fever, and the team is eager to build on the success of the previous season. Bringing in top-tier talent to complement Clark, the Fever aim to deliver an even more exceptional performance.
Meanwhile, the Dallas Wings are set to kickstart a new era, with rookie Paige Bueckers taking the helm alongside longtime Dallas player Arike Ogunbowale and newcomer Dijonai Carrington. Bueckers showcased some cowboy charm during her introduction to Dallas, donning a cowboy hat.
Training camps extended across the league over the weekend, and both the Wings and Fever were eager to display their star power.
While the defending champions New York Liberty prepare for their title defense, coach Sandy Brondello encouraged her team to hit the ground running and build a solid foundation. With a simple yet inspirational message, she challenged the team to "be great" while defending their crown.
The Minnesota Lynx, runners-up in the 2022 WNBA Finals, captured the full range of emotions during training camp. A photo of star Napheesa Collier beaming with a radiant smile was followed by a video of her focusing on defense, showcasing her versatility.
In Atlanta, the newly-restructured Dream have added Brittney Griner and Brionna Jones to their roster. To demonstrate their dedication, the team recorded the time that each player arrived for their first workout, with everyone making it by 8:30 a.m.
The Las Vegas Aces, back-to-back champions, are known for their exceptional video team that matched the players' skills.
As preseason games kick off on May 2nd, eyes will be on the Wings as they face the Aces in the opener, airing on Ion.
Although not mentioned in the base article, key players from the 2022 and 2023 seasons that left a lasting impression include A'ja Wilson, Chelsea Gray, Jackie Young, and Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd of the Seattle Storm, Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury, and Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Sylvia Fowles of the Minnesota Lynx[1][3][5].
[1] The data suggests that Gabby Williams will join the Seattle Storm, and Paige Bueckers will join the Dallas Wings for the 2025 season.[3] Further information indicates that Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd were instrumental for the Seattle Storm, but Loyd has since moved to the Las Vegas Aces.[5] The data shows thatimportant players like Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner, although significant in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, have moved on to new teams in the offseason, while Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, and Sylvia Fowles continue to contribute to the Minnesota Lynx's success.
- The Indiana Fever, with the return of Caitlin Clark, aims to be ready for the 2023 playoffs, building on their success from the previous season.
- In the WNBA playoffs, the WNBA champion title could be contested by the Dallas Wings, with rookie Paige Bueckers joining forces with Arike Ogunbowale and Dijonai Carrington.
- Brittney Griner is set to make her debut for the Atlanta Dream in the upcoming 2023 WNBA season, potentially contributing to their championship aspirations.
- With the new roster additions, the Minnesota Lynx, who lost in the 2022 WNBA Finals, are determined to challenge for the championship title in 2023.
- As defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces will enter the 2023 WNBA playoffs with high hopes of completing a historic three-peat, backed by their exceptional video team.
