With the 2026 WNBA draft right around the corner, the vigorous debate about the No. 1 pick rages on as fans and analysts speculate on the best fit for the Dallas Wings. For Carmelo Anthony, the Wings would be making a great choice if they took Paige Bueckers’ longtime running mate, Azzi Fudd.
On a special edition of his “7PM in Brooklyn” podcast, the Basketball Hall of Famer made a case for Fudd going first overall in Monday’s draft.
“I would pair Azzi with Paige. I would do that because it’s proven. It’s not like it was a one-and-done situation and they just came in and got busy. It’s proven for four years.”
Aside from acknowledging the chemistry shared by Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on and off the court, Anthony also praised the basketball smarts of these two young players.
“You can’t go wrong taking two Huskies. Also, those are two of the smartest basketball players out there. You’re talking about two high-IQ players.”
The last time Bueckers and Fudd were on the same team, they won the 12th national championship in the history of the UConn women’s basketball program. The Wings front office will likely consider this successful dynamic between the two players as they weigh their options for Monday’s draft.
“That Would Be Exciting”: Paige Bueckers Talks About Possibility of Azzi Fudd Joining Wings Roster
Unsurprisingly, Paige Bueckers has expressed her excitement at the possibility of Azzi Fudd joining the Wings roster.
In a viral clip posted by writer Dana Scott earlier this month, Bueckers told reporters at a Team USA media availability that she would be thrilled to team up with Fudd again.
“That would be exciting…Obviously, we’ve had a lot of games together under our belt. We’ve won a national championship together, so I think there’s great success in that.”
Last year, Fudd was sitting at Bueckers’ table when Bueckers was drafted first overall by the Wings. It remains to be seen whether Fudd will become the second consecutive UConn player to be selected No. 1.
