Azzi Fudd took her time to get in form, but safe to say that she has arrived in the WNBA. After becoming the number one pick in the draft, she was doubted by many. The Dallas Wings’ head coach made sure that despite the hype and the talent, Fudd earns her starting spot. And that’s exactly what she did.
She has 8 games so far and started 2 of them. She averages 12.1 points, shooting 57.1% from the field, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists. She was under a lot of pressure when she came into the league. But she has navigated that brilliantly. She scored 24 points in her breakout game vs. the New York Liberty and broke a couple of records as well.
A lot of people have doubted Fudd for her defense. Whether it be players in the league, analysts or fans, the questions on her defensive contribution have always been a talking matter. However, stats show something entirely different. When Azzi Fudd answered her critics about her defensive output, WNBA reporter Grant Young provided statistical evidence of Fudd’s impressive defense.
He explained how Azzi Fudd has been Dallas’ 3rd best defender behind Aawak Kuier and Aziaha James. Her defensive WNBA net point is 3 while Kuier has 7 and James has 4. Her defensive contribution has been above average by overall league standards as well.
Azzi Fudd questions WNBA teams picking on her
It is well known that the teams are often trying to pick on Azzi Fudd because they feel she lacks in defense. Some teams might obviously be successful in their plan, but there are still others against whom Fudd excels on both ends.
Recently Fudd reacted to that strategy. She said, “Defense is mostly effort, so just having a defensive mentality. I’ve been told teams like to pick on me? I don’t know why I feel like I play pretty hard. So, I just try to make things difficult. Everyone in this league is extremely talented. They can get whatever they want most nights. It’s just my job to make things hard for them.”
Read more:
Paige Bueckers Slams “Inhumane” Expectations from Caitlin Clark
Azzi Fudd Gets Real About Teams Picking on Her Defensively Amid Wings Hot Streak
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