Due to the roaring success of Olivia Miles, the jury remains out over whether the Dallas Wings made the right decision when passing on a generational talent. However, Azzi Fudd's 3-point contest selection proves that the franchise couldn't have been more correct when selecting the young star with their first overall pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd's fit as a 3-and-D guard is allowing Paige Bueckers and Dallas to thrive -- and she deserves recognition for it.
What Olivia Miles is doing with the Minnesota Lynx is nothing short of extraordinary, and deciding against drafting a player of this calibre will always be scrutinised. But the fact of the matter is, Miles's trajectory wouldn't have been the same in Dallas. Her role in the offense wouldn't have been as prominent, and her defensive responsibility would have been far greater.
That being said, this does not necessarily mean Miles couldn't showcase her abilities, but it would have undoubtedly been on a smaller scale. On the other hand, this is a role that Azzi Fudd was born to play. Her lack of ego and determination to win is exactly the profile that the Wings required to make the next leap as a franchise.
Fudd is the perfect fit in Dallas
Paige Bueckers is the heartbeat of the Dallas Wings, but to reach her full potential, she must be supplied with the right pieces that will allow her to achieve championship success. Fudd's seamless transition into the relentless world of the WNBA allows her superstar teammate to take a step further towards this vision.
Alongside Bueckers, Fudd has continued to replicate the two-way versatility that was essential during UConn's 2025 NCAA Tournament triumph. Dallas' rookie has become a defensive stalwart on her new team, but it is her ability to score from deep that will be getting recognition during the All-Star break.
Over 25 appearances this season, the 23-year-old has averaged 1.7 steals per game to help create a sturdy foundation for Bueckers to devastate teams on the offensive end of the floor. However, Fudd's 38.8% shooting average from 3-point range has become just as dangerous a weapon for the Dallas Wings as they continue to push for a postseason berth.
Finally, on Friday night, Fudd will be presented with the opportunity to step into the limelight and prove to spectators that she is a superstar in her own right. Yes, Olivia Miles may be nailed on to lift the Rookie of the Year trophy come the end of the season, but it's becoming difficult to ignore the fact that the Dallas Wings found the perfect fit in Azzi Fudd.
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