Azzi Fudd didn’t start her rookie season off as most number-one picks do. Usually, franchises that end up with the top pick in the draft are still looking for their franchise player, for someone to reinvent the team’s offensive identity. The Wings were in that position last year when they drafted Paige Bueckers. This year, they needed someone they knew could succeed alongside Bueckers and fill a role on the team.
So, Fudd came off the bench in her WNBA debut. She played 18 minutes, but what really shocked fans was how little involvement she had in the Wings’ offense. She only took two shots. Her quiet debut sparked some immediate debates about her role with the Wings and fears that Dallas may not have been the right landing spot for her after all.
Two games later, Fudd looks much more comfortable with the Wings. Her minutes have gone up steadily to a season-high 24 against the Washington Mystics. Her production and shot attempts also increased with every game. She finished the 92-69 win over Washington with 12 points on 6-9 shooting from the field, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
Still, one thing stands out about Fudd’s game. She is barely attempting any 3-point shots.
The Wings need to get Fudd some open 3-pointers
Azzi Fudd is perhaps the best 3-point shooter to ever come out of college. She shot 44.7% on 6.7 attempts per game in her final season at UConn—a true masterpiece when it comes to shooting efficiency. She is the best 3-point shooter on the Wings’ roster—in theory. In reality, she has barely attempted any threes yet and has only made one so far.
Fudd is 1-5 from the 3-point line for her first three games in the WNBA. Volume- and percentage-wise, that’s a far cry from what we all know she is capable of. Even against the Mystics, in her best game of the season, Fudd only took one 3-pointer.
A lot of that has to do with how defenders are guarding her. Everyone in the WNBA knows the scouting report on Azzi Fudd: Don’t let her shoot. So, most defenders are executing pretty clean close-outs that take away Fudd’s 3-pointers, but allow her to drive and get good looks in the mid-range. Her jumper is pure from there, too.
While Fudd has found success with her ability to knock down shots off the bounce when attacking a close-out, Jose Fernandez must find a way to utilize her outside shooting more. She is the Wings’ number-one pick, after all, and they should do everything they can to highlight her biggest strength.
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