Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Rather than celebrating the 23-year-old’s achievement and allowing her time to adjust to the professional game, some social media users have instead used the moment to diminish everything she has accomplished to reach this point. Dallas based this selection on merit and fit, and her slow start to the season does not change that.
Being selected first overall in any draft is no small achievement; it becomes even more impressive when a player is competing against elite prospects such as Olivia Miles, Lauren Betts, and Awa Fam. Naturally, this achievement comes with immediate expectations, and if a young star fails to make an instant impression, the criticism starts right away. Azzi Fudd is witnessing this in real time.
After recording just three points, one rebound, and one steal in an underwhelming debut performance, Fudd was on the injury list for Dallas' 77-72 loss to the Atlanta Dream. Already, Azzi Fudd’s rookie year is being compared to that of Olivia Miles, who was selected second overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx. With both players playing similar positions, questions have been raised about why the Wings opted for Fudd over Miles—but the reasoning is clear.
Azzi Fudd fits the Wings' long-term vision perfectly
As it stands, Olivia Miles is playing significantly better than Azzi Fudd. But both players are just starting their professional careers; judging a franchise's selection already seems premature. It should also be stated that a draft process does not always entail selecting the best player; it means selecting someone who can take this team to the next level. Given that Paige Bueckers is Dallas' franchise star, the organization has a responsibility to find her a capable backcourt partner.
Miles is a player who wants the ball in her hands so she can facilitate plays; this would not work with Bueckers in the same lineup. While Bueckers has shown a tendency to play more off-ball in the first two games of the season, the Wings' offense is designed to benefit her more than any other player on the roster. Azzi Fudd proved during her time at UConn that she can execute a complementary guard role exceptionally and aided Bueckers in her bid to win a National Championship in 2025.
Fudd's senior year skyrocketed her draft stock as she posted career-high numbers in several categories and proved her elite two-way presence. The rookie averaged 17.3 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.5 steals per game, but most importantly, provided a platform for her star teammate, Sarah Strong, to dominate the opposition. Sound familiar? This is the exact mould of player the Wings crave.
So what does Azzi Fudd bring to Dallas? Scoring, defense, versatility, and a winning mentality. Of course, familiarity with the way Paige Bueckers plays the game likely influenced the front office’s thinking, but to suggest this selection is anything other than a basketball decision is ludicrous. The Dallas Wings are building toward a future championship push, and adding Fudd brings the franchise one step closer to achieving that goal.
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