Azzi Fudd has made an early appearance on the Dallas Wings injury report this season ahead of her second WNBA game against Angel Reese’s Atlanta Dream. The No.1 pick, who officially debuted on Saturday against the Indiana Fever, is listed as probable for Tuesday’s contest against the Dream.
Fudd is dealing with a right knee injury. She may have sustained it in practice over the past few days, as she ended her debut without any issues. Fudd played only 18 minutes off the bench, scoring three points on two shots. She achieved an unwanted feat, recording the fewest points for a No.1 pick in league history.
However, Fudd didn’t get the opportunity as the Wings took a different approach, using their most experienced players in the backcourt. Arike Ogunbowale played 29 minutes and started in place of Fudd, while Odyssey Sims played 26 minutes. Both flourished with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Meanwhile, Paige Bueckers played 32 minutes, scoring 20 points on 8 of 10 shots. The move paid off as the Wings won 107-104. It seems the Wings will continue to take that approach for the foreseeable future as they aim to make a playoff push.
In the meantime, Azzi Fudd can play freely off the bench without feeling any real pressure to outperform expectations.
Wings coach addresses Azzi Fudd potentially starting for the team at some point
The Wings surprised many after demoting Azzi Fudd to the bench. She started in the preseason and the team’s plans were to start her alongside Paige Bueckers when they drafted her. However, coach Jose Fernandez is taking a cautious approach with Fudd’s development. He addressed her role as a potential starter on Monday, saying:
“I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is … When it does happen, I think she’ll be ready.”
Fernandez also pointed out the Wings’ stacked backcourt depth, saying they had five talented guards on the team. For now, he wants Azzi Fudd to continue doing what she’s doing as a rookie and eventually find her way to the starting lineup playing crucial minutes.
