February 20, 2024
Satou Sabally undergoes shoulder procedure, no timeline set for return
By Arie Graham
Without their star forward, Wings face more pre-season questions
2023 Most Improved Player Satou Sabally underwent a shoulder procedure on Feb. 20, the Dallas Wings announced. She sustained the injury during the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Brazil while competing for Germany, who made history by qualifying for the Olympics for the first time with Sabally at the helm. Per the team’s announcement, there is no immediate timeline set for her return, but she is expected to make a full recovery.
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The former Oregon standout has already dealt with multiple injuries throughout her WNBA career. Depending on the intensity of the procedure, her recovery could take significant time. Sabally was poised to follow her breakout 2023 season, as she re-signed with Dallas on a one-year deal. Instead, the upcoming season will be a test for her and the Wings organization, as they determine what will be best for each other going forward.
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When healthy, Sabally has been key to the Wings’ success; she averaged 18.6 points and 8.1 rebounds last season while missing just a handful of games. With training camp beginning April 28 and the Olympics playing between July 26 and August 11, Sabally’s court time with the Wings this season may be limited.
The 6’4 forward has made history overseas with Germany, as well as stateside: she was one of the most important pieces that helped get the Wings to the semifinals for the first time last season. With no timeline set for her return, Dallas will have to limit the impact of Sabally’s absence on the team’s trajectory and fill the void as best they can. Despite potentially missing her strength on both ends of the court, the Wings should have time to make necessary adjustments and can prepare for any additional time Sabally may miss this upcoming season.
Written by Arie Graham
Arie Graham joined 'The Next' in May 2021 as the beat writer for the Dallas Wings.
