Paige Bueckers’ relationship with Azzi Fudd at the center of development concerns

Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (24), Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd (35) and Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) react to the action Saturday, May 9, 2026, during the first half of the Fever’s season opener game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The Dallas Wings have the last two number one overall picks in the WNBA on their roster in Paige Bueckers (2025) and Azzi Fudd (2026). Dallas opened its season on Saturday with a win over the Indiana Fever.

Interestingly, Fudd came off the bench in the contest, a rarity for a number one overall pick. Complicating matters further was Fudd’s lack of impact when she did see the floor, scoring three points on just two shots in her 18 min of action.

Former WNBA star Chiney Ogwumike feels that Fudd coming off the bench could stunt her confidence and thus her development.

“You have the number one pick, and the last thing you want is for her not to feel completely confident. Azzi Fudd is the best shooter we’ve seen in a long time, she’s a pure shooter. You don’t want to create that lack of confidence in your number one pick,” Ogwumike said on ESPN.

“Playing 17 minutes and only shooting the ball twice is something that should never happen with your number one pick. She needs to have the opportunity to create her own destiny,” she continued.

There were concerns around Fudd’s fit in Dallas on a team that already has two bona fide stars at the guard position in Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale, as well as high-level contributors such as Odyssey Sims.

In fact, one Fox Sports radio analyst feels Fudd wasn’t drafted for her fit, but instead because of a personal relationship with Bueckers, which the two went public with in 2025.