Azzi Fudd has started her WNBA career with some aplomb. After becoming the first pick in this year’s WNBA draft, Fudd was under a lot of pressure to perform. She was eased into the squad and had to earn her starting spot. And she did that very impressively. She has broken multiple rookie records already, and is a decent candidate to win the Rookie of the Year award.
Her teammate Paige Bueckers has shown her support every step of the way. Recently, Bueckers appeared on Sue Bird’s podcast, ‘Bird’s Eye View’, and talked about Fudd’s rookie year among other things. She also complimented Fudd’s handling, and compared Fudd with NBA legends like Chris Paul and Andre Iguodala.
“It might [be] kind of crazy to say, but she’s got great hands. First team all hands. I grew up watching Chris Paul and Andre Iguodala, how good their hands were. How many deflections, steals, and blocks that she gets, and how disruptive she is on the defensive end, and her taking the toughest defensive assignment, that’s what we needed. Honestly I could do it but I’m probably not the best person for it,” Bueckers said (57:55).
Bueckers continued to say that Fudd had been just as important as anybody else for the success of the Dallas Wings. She appreciated how the rookie has handled the noise around her, and how she has played her role to perfection.
Paige Bueckers defends Azzi Fudd becoming the no. 1 draft pick
Many people doubted Fudd and questioned why the Wings had chose her as their first pick. There were rumors about the reason solely being Paige Bueckers. However, her game translating and complimenting coach Jose Fernandez’s plans proves her worth to the team. Bueckers talked about how Fudd has fit in.
“I don’t think she’s on a number like she’s on a regular number one pick team. We’re an entirely different team than we were last year. She’s coming and she’s bought into her role. She wasn’t asked to be this the savior on a losing team. It’s just it’s just not a regular circumstance. Like I told her I would much rather be her this year than like me in the 10 win season last year,” Bueckers said (55:56).
She said that the Wings is a winning team with great depth, veterans and young players. She believed that comparing the top picks doesn’t do any good because Fudd was exactly who the Wings wanted.
Read more:
Paige Bueckers Celebrates Azzi Fudd’s Historic 3-Point Contest Triumph With 4-Word Message
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