Azzi Fudd missed the first game of her WNBA career on Tuesday in what could have been just her second appearance. The Dallas Wings No. 1 pick was initially probable due to a right knee injury, but was ruled out before tipoff. After already coming off the bench and playing only 18 minutes while recording the fewest points (three) for a No. 1 pick in her debut, Fudd invited intense criticism from WNBA fans amid her injury woes.
Several WNBA supporters have been skeptical about her selection as the top pick, with many believing it’s due to her relationship with Wings superstar Paige Bueckers. After an underwhelming start to her pro-career and an early injury absence, the questions surrounding her status as a top pick have become louder.
After Tuesday’s absence was announced, WNBA fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), deeming Azzi Fudd a “bust” already.
“BUST CITY! Worst number 1 pick of all time. Only drafted 1 because she is dating Paige. PATHETIC!” one fan said.
“She already looks like the biggest bust in the history of the game and ion even know the history of the game all like that,” another said.
“Dallas Wings wrong pick you should have picked that center from UCLA are y’all on drugs,” one fan added.
“She first looked lost now she’s injured. The Wings made a bad pick with her for her girlfriend. PB hasn’t earned that type of player empowerment yet,” one fan wrote.
“Azzi Fudd entering Markelle Fultz territory already. Maaaydaaaaaay,” another added.
“She’s not even playing full time, i just know she’s faking her injury,” one fan speculated.
Injured Azzi Fudd watches Wings struggle after losing to Dream
Azzi Fudd watched her team struggle in their second game against the Dream on Tuesday, as the Wings lost 77-72. The offense didn’t click as well as it did in their opener against the Indiana Fever on Saturday, when they scored 107 points. In that game, they had three players scoring 20 or more.
On Tuesday, Arike Ogunbowale was the only one to maintain that streak with 20 points on 7 of 15 shots. Fudd’s girlfriend and former college teammate, Paige Bueckers, had an underwhelming outing according to her standards with 15 points on 5 of 12 shooting. Meanwhile, Alanna Smith was the biggest letdown with just two points on 1 of 8 shooting.
Dallas majorly struggled from 3-point territory, going 4-for-26. While Wings coach Jose Fernandez wants to take things slow for Azzi Fudd by putting her in a bench role, if the shooting issues persist, she might get a nod to start.
Fudd was one of the best shooters in the draft and can provide tremendous help to the Wings in that regard with improved minutes.
