As the WNBA season inches closer, eyes are on the Dallas Wings — and particularly on NaLyssa Smith, the third-year forward whose offensive talent has never been in question. But in newly released team footage from training camp and early scrimmages, one glaring issue remains: defense.

Despite her scoring ability and athleticism, Smith is still struggling on the defensive end — a weakness that has begun to raise concerns about her long-term role on a Wings team with playoff aspirations.

Offense: As Reliable As Ever

NaLyssa Smith continues to shine offensively. She’s agile in transition, has a soft touch around the rim, and her midrange jumper is as smooth as ever. In recent camp footage, she’s seen confidently knocking down open looks, running the floor with purpose, and finishing strong through contact.

“NaLyssa’s offensive instincts are elite — no one questions that,” said one Wings assistant coach.
“She can give you 15 and 8 on any night.”

But it’s not offense that’s drawing attention. It’s what happens when the ball is in the opponent’s hands.

Defensive Lapses Still Present

In practice clips and scrimmage highlights, Smith appears slow on defensive rotations, late to close out on shooters, and often caught flat-footed in pick-and-roll coverage. Several sequences show her struggling to stay in front of quicker players or getting beat on help-side decisions.

“There are still too many moments where she’s guessing,” said a WNBA scout.
“Her footwork isn’t consistent, and that’s hurting the team’s ability to trust her in key defensive sets.”

For a team like Dallas — looking to make a serious push this season — defense is no longer optional.

What This Means for the Wings

The Wings have a loaded frontcourt that includes Teaira McCowan, Satou Sabally, and now Stephanie Soares and Lou Lopez Sénéchal returning healthy. If Smith continues to underperform defensively, there’s a real chance she could lose minutes, especially in crunch-time situations where defensive stops matter most.

“The competition is fierce. Everyone’s fighting for minutes, and defense is what will separate them,” said head coach Latricia Trammell.

It’s not that Smith isn’t working — by all accounts, she’s engaged, coachable, and physically gifted. But defense, especially in the WNBA, is as much about IQ and instincts as it is athleticism — and that’s where she still needs to evolve.

What NaLyssa Smith Has Said

Smith hasn’t dodged the criticism. In a recent media session, she acknowledged the need for growth.

“I know I gotta be better. It’s something I’m locked in on this year — communication, rotations, just reading the floor faster,” she said.
“I want to be great on both ends, not just one.”

Final Thoughts: Still Time, But Pressure Is Rising

NaLyssa Smith still has sky-high potential — and the offensive skillset to be a WNBA All-Star. But in a league where every possession matters, defensive lapses can’t go unaddressed.

If she makes the leap on defense, she could be a franchise cornerstone. But if not, she risks becoming a one-dimensional player on a team that needs versatility and toughness at every position.

The clock isn’t running out yet — but the expectations are rising, and the film doesn’t lie.