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‘I don’t think about it that way’: Wings coach not desperate to make No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd a starter
TL;DR
Dallas Wings coach Jose Fernandez is not in a rush to make No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd a starter, despite her potential. In a recent game, Fudd scored only three points in 18 minutes off the bench.
Key points
- Dallas Wings defeated Indiana Fever 107 to 104
- Azzi Fudd is the No. 1 overall pick from UConn
- Fudd scored three points in 18 minutes off the bench
- Coach Jose Fernandez is not desperate for Fudd to start
Mentioned in this story
Jose Fernandez
Dallas WingsIndiana FeverAzzi FuddCaitlin Clark
May 9, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Tyasha Harris (52) dribbles the ball while Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35)defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
In a clash of the last four number one overall picks in the WNBA on Saturday, the Dallas Wings defeated the Indiana Fever 107 to 104. The biggest storyline heading into the matchup was undoubtedly Fever guard Caitlin Clark making her return to WNBA competition after missing all but 13 games last season with lower-body injuries.
However, an interesting subplot was this year’s first overall pick, guard Azzi Fudd out of the University of Connecticut, coming off the bench rather than making the starting lineup. In her 18 minutes of action, Fudd scored only three points, while recording just one rebound and one steal. It was a pedestrian performance, and on Monday, Dallas Wings head coach Jose Fernadez was asked if he wanted to see Fudd take the steps necessary to become a starter in the WNBA.
Surprisingly, while he certainly feels Fudd has the potential to be a starter in the league, he’s not necessarily desperate to have that happen anytime soon.
“I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is … When it does happens, I think she’ll be ready,” Fernandez said, per Wings reporter Drake Keeler.
Fernandez also said that in the time she is on the floor, it’s on him to make sure Fudd gets more involved in the offense.
“The other thing, when she gets in and she’s a shooter, I gotta get her more involved, get her some looks, but you got to give other teams credit too. Other teams prepare for really good players.”
There were concerns leading to and after the draft surrounding Fudd’s fit into a Dallas team with a loaded backcourt, and Fudd’s debut seems only to have reinforced them. Still, expect her to eventually find her footing, and when that does happen, it’ll be near-impossible for Fernandez to keep her sidelined.
Q&A
Why is Azzi Fudd coming off the bench instead of starting?
Azzi Fudd is currently coming off the bench as the coach believes she has potential but is not desperate to rush her into a starting role.
What was Azzi Fudd's performance in the recent game against the Indiana Fever?
In the game against the Indiana Fever, Azzi Fudd scored three points, recorded one rebound, and one steal in 18 minutes of play.
Who is the coach of the Dallas Wings and what is his view on Fudd's starting position?
The coach of the Dallas Wings is Jose Fernandez, and he feels that while Azzi Fudd has the potential to be a starter, he is not in a hurry to make that happen.
