2026 WNBA Breakout Rookies Already Showing They Belong

Azzi Fudd’s debut box score was rough, finishing with three points on 1-2 shooting in 18 minutes for Dallas. That is the fewest by a No. 1 overall pick in a debut in 20 seasons.

That might be the initial focus, but it is not the whole story of her impact.

She also stayed involved in the game with a steal and rebound.

Defenses will study her UConn college tape seeking to disrupt her game, because they know she was a prolific catch-and-shoot player who averaged 17 points per game for UConn during her final college season. Fudd was a star for the undefeated Huskies who made game changing plays by draining 3 pointers, shooting over 44% from three-point range.

Even when her shots aren’t falling, her presence can still impact defensive game plans by pulling defenders further out of the paint and opening wider driving lanes for Dallas’ established scorers.

That kind of overall game impact wont get you benched for a bad shooting night. Expect Wings Coach Jose Fernandez to stick with Fudd because the scoring outbursts will come and her skill set forces defenses to flex, which opens up opportunities for her veteran teammates.

UCLA’s WNBA rookie wave is real

Gabriela Jaquez had a break out start to her WNBA career, logging 32 minutes of playing time in the season opener and producing a fantastic stat line with 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in the Chicago Sky’s 98-83 win over Portland. For Jaquez’s second outing, she played a pivotal role in a defensive battle playing 26 minutes with 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in a victory over Golden State.

Jacquez was one of six UCLA rookies with playing time during the WNBA opening weekend, a stat that showcases how prepared these former UCLA Bruin players were for the next level.

Jaquez was taken fifth overall in the 2026 draft with the projection of playing the role of three/defensive guard. But she joins a Sky team loaded at the guard position, which may be an initial hurdle for the rookie to earn significant playing time.

Jaquez does have some experience relevant playing with the Mexican national team in international tournaments that will help her make the jump to the pros, especially with the increased physicality she will face in the WNBA.

Flau’jae Johnson physicality drives success

Flau’jae Johnson has shown the confidence to come out firing, but with mixed results. Her shooting from inside the arc has been a struggle, averaging only 27% field goal percentage, but her physical play at the basket has allowed her to draw fouls and generate points from the charity stripe, where she is shooting 88%. As a result, she is third on the team in scoring averaging 11.7 points a game.

The rookie first-rounder also racked up a game-high three steals in a recent win against Connecticut and made a big impact on the glass with 6 rebounds.

Through 3 games, Johnson leads the team in minutes played averaging 28 minutes a game. Although she must improve her shooting efficiency, it’s encouraging that Johnson is drawing fouls when her shot isn’t falling.

Pauline Astier emerges in impactful role with NY Liberty

Pauline Astier has made a huge early season impact, helping the New York Liberty overcome early injury and personnel issues. The undrafted rookie has stepped into a starting guard role with Liberty veterans’ Sabrina Ionescu (foot) and Satou Sabally (illness) injured, and Leonie Fiebich (overseas commitment) still away from the team.

Astier notched a season-high 24 points in a recent 98-96 loss against Portland. In 3 games this season, she is averaging 28 minutes, 15 points, 4 rebounds and almost 5 assists.

Astier, a 24 year old from France, has some prior pro experience when she averaged 10.2 points, 5.6 assists and 3.2 rebounds in 2025 EuroLeague play with USK Praha.

Other rookies to watch

Jovana Nogic, Guard, Phoenix Mercury. 28 year old rookie from Belgrade, Serbia. On 3 games Nogic is averaging 22 minutes, 12.3 points, 0.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals.

Awa Fam, Seattle Storm center drafted 3rd overall. She is currently playing in Spain for Valencia Basket during their postseason tournament and has missed the start of her rookie WNBA season. She is expected to return to the US and WNBA in late May.

Lauren Betts, Washington Mystics center drafted 4th overall. Another UCLA Bruin alum, she is averaging 15 mins a game. Although Betts failed to score in her debut, she responded with 7 points in her second game, and is averaging, 3.5 rebounds, 1 assist and .5 blocks in two games this season.