“Azzi Fudd Ain’t No Damn Nepo Girlfriend”: Mariah Rose Shoots Down Viral Talk Around Paige Bueckers’ Influence in Dallas

NBA legend Jalen Rose’s daughter and WNBA journalist Mariah Rose has fired back at fans who believed that Azzi Fudd was drafted with the top pick because of Paige Bueckers’ influence. The 2026 WNBA draft has finally concluded. After widespread conversations about the final draft board, the Dallas Wings now have the highly anticipated pairing of Fudd and Bueckers.

However, a few fans were not happy with the team’s decision and felt the shooting guard was chosen because of her off-court partner and last season’s top pick, Bueckers. However, Rose quickly backed Fudd for her hard work and dedication to the sport and explained how the real draft worked. In a video on Instagram, she said:

“Imma keep it real with ya’ll, I love Paige Bueckers, she is not Jesus fu****g christ. Paige is not enough to get that team to waste their first overall draft pick on someone they don’t want. WNBA does not work like that… Steph Curry told Azzi that she got a prettier shot than him… Azzi ain’t no damn nepo girlfriend.”

Even though Fudd didn’t have the best March Madness stint this season, she was still instrumental last season when UConn won the national championship. More than that, the Wings would hope that Fudd and Bueckers’ college chemistry translates well to the league and brings domination to the team in the upcoming season.

Azzi Fudd becomes the highest-paid WNBA rookie ever

Azzi Fudd has become the highest-paid rookie in the league after being drafted with the top overall pick. She will earn a whopping $500,000 in her rookie year after the league agreed on the new CBA deal earlier. In 2027, she will earn $520,000 and $572,000 in 2028.

Fudd is also granted a player option of $646,360 for the 2029 season. The 5-foot-11 guard shot 44.7% from deep in the last season and is expected to add some firepower to Dallas’ scoring, alongside Paige Bueckers, setting the offense. Only time will tell if the duo will enjoy the same success they received at the University of Connecticut.

READ MORE: 2026 WNBA Draft Odds: Is Azzi Fudd a Favorite To Go No. 1 Overall to Dallas Wings?

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