Azzi Fudd’s Rookie Season With the Wings Has Gone Exactly to Plan When the Dallas Wings selected UConn star Azzi Fudd as the top pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, the decision sparked intense debate among analysts and fans. The 2026 draft class was among the most talented in recent memory, with a handful of elite prospects vying for the No. 1 selection. Names like offensive powerhouse Olivia Miles, Spanish phenom Awa Fam, and UCLA’s Lauren Betts—whose NCAA tournament run led her team to its first title—were all considered strong candidates. Yet, for the Wings, Fudd’s selection was a calculated move that has already begun to pay dividends. Fudd’s arrival marked the second consecutive year the Wings had taken a star from UConn’s storied program, following the 2025 pick of Paige Bueckers. The decision was rooted in Fudd’s unique skill set: her elite three-point shooting ability, which would create space for Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale to operate more effectively. Additionally, Fudd’s defensive growth during her college career hinted at her potential to transition smoothly to the professional level. While her rookie season didn’t start perfectly, the Wings’ general manager, Curt Miller, has seen his investment begin to deliver results. The early stages of Fudd’s season were not without challenges. Miles, who had already established herself as one of the league’s top players, dominated headlines with her breakout performance for the Minnesota Lynx. Fudd’s slower adjustment to the WNBA, combined with an early-season injury that forced her to miss a game, led to questions about her readiness. Coach Jose Fernandez initially held her out of the starting lineup until the eighth game of the season. However, once Fudd found her rhythm, she became a cornerstone of the Wings’ offense.#azzi_fudd #olivia_miles #minnesota_lynx #dallas_wings #curt_miller
