Story by
Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings handed major Alanna Smith injury blow during FIBA World Cup
- Story by
- Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings handed major Alanna Smith injury blow during FIBA World Cup
Paige Bueckers, Dallas Wings handed major Alanna Smith injury blow during FIBA World Cup originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Dallas Wings entered the WNBA's extended break hoping their players would return from international competition healthy and ready for a postseason run.
Advertisement
That hope took a significant hit Wednesday. Wings forward Alanna Smith has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup after suffering a lower-leg injury while playing for Australia. The setback creates another major concern for a Dallas team already dealing with the season-ending loss of rookie guard Azzi Fudd.
Smith sustained the injury during Australia's opening game of the group stage. The Opals initially described her absence as precautionary because of lower-leg tightness, but ESPN Australia and New Zealand reported Wednesday that she will miss the rest of the tournament.
No timetable for Smith's return to the Wings was immediately provided.
That uncertainty will follow Paige Bueckers and Dallas into the final stage of the WNBA season.
Alanna Smith injury adds to growing Dallas Wings concerns
Smith has been one of the Wings' most important additions. Dallas signed the 2025 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year in free agency, adding a versatile forward capable of protecting the rim, defending multiple positions and stretching the floor offensively.
Advertisement
The Wings will resume their regular-season schedule Sept. 17. They have already secured a playoff berth, but Smith's availability could have a major impact on their rotation and postseason ceiling. Dallas is still adjusting to the loss of Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd averaged 13.1 points, 1.8 assists, 1.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals across 30 games before a right knee injury ended her rookie season.
She underwent arthroscopic surgery and is expected to begin rehabilitation with the Wings during the league's World Cup break. Jessica Shepard and Aziaha James have also dealt with injuries, leaving Dallas with little room to absorb another prolonged absence.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham finally gets milestone birthday celebration during Fever break
Bueckers remains in Berlin with Team USA, where she has been one of the Americans' most productive players. She scored 14 points in an opening victory over China and helped the United States complete an undefeated run through group play.
Advertisement
The Wings star will continue pursuing a World Cup gold medal before turning her attention back to Dallas and its playoff push. Smith's immediate focus will be recovering from the lower-leg injury that ended her World Cup. Until the Wings provide another update, her status for the remainder of the WNBA regular season and the playoffs will remain uncertain.
Dallas has already demonstrated enough resilience to earn a postseason spot despite its injury problems. The latest news surrounding Smith means Bueckers and the Wings may be forced to summon even more of it.
