The Dallas Wings drafted Azzi Fudd as one of the hot picks in the WNBA Draft, but it seems her role is not yet clear. The former UConn Huskies shooting guard debuted in the NBA off the bench, given the Wings’ backcourt depth. However, HC Jose Fernandez’s decision to bring Fudd off the bench has led several analysts and former players to question the reasoning.
Former WNBA forward-turned-analyst Chiney Ogwumike shared her concerns about Azzi Fudd and the Wings’ decision to bring her off the bench. The former NBA player said that not starting with the 2026 No. 1 pick would create a mental roadblock, and she would lack confidence in upcoming games. Ogwumike added on ESPN:
“She (Azzi Fudd) needs to feel confident knowing that I belong and coming into the game off the bench, I think you’re just creating a mental challenge or a mental block. Sometimes playing that player, letting them go through that fire, that is the best way to learn, and so it’s gonna be interesting to see how Jose Fernandez balances what his game plan is.”
The Wings roster is filled with talented backcourt pieces like Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, who led the team in the first game with 22 points, and Odyssey Sims. Ogwumike suggested using Azzzi Fudd in place of Sims, who scored 20 points but committed four turnovers, in the starting lineup.
While it might be a risky move given the kind of experience Sims brings, as the former NBA player said, the Wings can afford to lose a few games if that means Fudd’s confidence builds in the process. She made the first 3-pointer of her pro league career, showing her confidence and ability to shoot.
Azzi Fudd creates history in her first game
Azzi Fudd has a record in her first game in the WNBA, but not something she might like to keep in her memory. She scored the lowest points by a No. 1 draft pick in the league. She only shot two times in 18 minutes and scored three points, coming off the bench.
Meanwhile, Fudd’s off-court and on-court partner, Paige Bueckers, was perfect inside the 3-point line and shot 8-10 from the field to score 20 points and dished four assists. HC Jose Fernandez shared his intentions for the rookie’s upcoming games, saying that the team already has five talented backcourt pieces.
Even though Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers have earned several accolades while playing together in college, it seems Fudd would have to make her spot on the roster before she can play regularly alongside her partner.
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