The beginning of Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd’s tenure as teammates in the WNBA met with significant criticism and controversy due to their romantic relationship. Critics accused the Wings of using the No. 1 pick to draft Fudd only because of that dynamic. At Fudd’s post-draft opening press conference, the Wings wouldn’t even allow reporters to ask how they would navigate their tenure together.
Bueckers made it clear that their relationship was private and that she would address it only once, demanding that reporters keep questions centered around their on-court business. Since then, the noise has cooled off. While online criticism persisted after Fudd’s slow start as a rookie, even that eventually faded once she found her rhythm with consecutive 20-point games.
In all of this chaos, their fans have continued to support them. On Thursday, they showed it again after Bueckers answered a hilarious question about Fudd. A reporter asked the reigning Rookie of the Year if she was as confused as Fudd in her first WNBA start about greeting opposing players pregame, to which Bueckers replied, saying (via Wings reporter Grant Afseth):
“Nah … Azzi’s still working on her swag.”
Fans dropped comical and warm reactions after seeing Paige Bueckers’ reaction. One fan believed that Bueckers laughs a certain way when talking about Azzi Fudd.
“They are so in love that laugh that Paige gets every time she talks about Azzi and the teasing,” the X user said.
“My goat has SWAG…All day every day…just by existing…” a Fudd fan said.
“She probably said this knowing Azzi wouldn’t see it on social media IM CRYING,” another added.
“Paige, please don’t do our girl like that,” one fan joked.
“My sophomore need to chill on my rook … she’s got that princess swag lmaoooo,” one fan said.
“SHE’S SWEET AND ENDEARING STOP THAT,” another wrote.
WNBA beat reporters credit Azzi Fudd for Paige Bueckers-led Wings’ turnaround
The Dallas Wings are on track to return to the WNBA playoffs after finishing last season with the league-worst 10-34 record. They are 6-3, fourth league-wide and third in the West this season. While veteran additions and a coaching change have been key, Azzi Fudd’s selection is proving to be worth the gamble.
WNBA reporters Alexa Philippou, Kendra Andrews, Kareem Copeland and Michael Voepel graded the Wings “A-” on Thursday in their article for ESPN.
“Two of the factors behind their recent surge of five wins in six games: The emergence of No. 1 pick Azzi Fudd, whose playing time and comfort level have increased in recent weeks, and who leads Dallas with a plus-27.2 net rating,” the reporters wrote. Jessica Shepard has also become a double-double — if not triple-double — performer, with the Wings thriving running the offense through the 6-foot-4 forward.”
The Wings are undefeated when Fudd starts in two games. She has averaged 15.5 points (second behind Bueckers), 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks. Fudd has shot 59.1%, including 44.4% from 3-point range.
Read more:
- Olivia Miles Snatches Rookie 3-Point Record From Caitlin Clark on Career Night
- Chennedy Carter’s Online Remark After Playing Azzi Fudd ‘Probably Didn’t Sit Well With Becky Hammon,’ Claims Candace Parker
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