Questions surround Azzi Fudd's status after Wings' top pick sits in home-opener loss

TL;DR

Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 pick for the Dallas Wings, did not play in the home opener due to a right knee injury. Coach Jose Fernandez stated that the decision was made for her long-term health.

Key points

Azzi Fudd did not play in the home opener due to a right knee injury.
Coach Jose Fernandez cited long-term health as the reason for her absence.
Fudd has a history of knee injuries, including ACL and MCL tears.
She scored three points in her season opener against the Indiana Fever.

UConnAzzi FuddDallas WingsAtlanta Dream

Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd (second from right) watches from the bench in street clothes as her teammates faced the Atlanta Dream in the first half at College Park Center in Arlington, May 12, 2026. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News) ARLINGTON — When Azzi Fudd came off the bench in the Dallas Wings’ season-opening win over the Indiana Fever last weekend, fans and commentators questioned why the 2026 No.1 pick did not start. Now bigger questions surround Fudd, who in 18 minutes vs. Indiana scored three points on just two shot attempts. The Wings listed the rookie guard as probable in Monday’s game status report. Then, ahead of Tuesday’s home opener at College Park Center, Wings coach Jose Fernandez said Fudd would be out for the game with a right knee injury. Coming off a long college season that included a run to the Final Four, the UConn product tore her ACL and MCL in 2019 and tore her ACL and medial meniscus in 2023. Both injuries occurred in her right knee. Fernandez wouldn’t answer if the injury had anything to do with her limited minutes against the Fever. “I’m not going to get into the minutes situation on the opening night,” Fernandez said pregame. “Out of an abundance of caution and her long-term health, we’re keeping her out tonight.” ***RELATED:** * When another reporter pressed for more information, it started a somewhat tense exchange. “I’m not going to discuss anything medically in regards to her or what she has done in practice, what she hasn’t done in practice,” Fernandez said. “She’s a big part of this team. There’s a reason why we drafted her No. 1 and she’s going to have a great season for the Wings.” Dallas Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd (dressed in street clothes) is introduced with teammate before the team faced the Atlanta Dream at College Park Center in Arlington, May 12, 2026. Fudd did not suit out for the game because of an injury. (Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News) Fernandez said he and Fudd had a “very good” phone call on his way to the arena. “ ... It’s a long season. She just finished playing a long season and we have to put her in the best position to be successful,” Fernandez said. Paige Bueckers, the Wings’ No. 1 pick in 2025, also came off a long season that included a national championship at UConn before arriving to the WNBA. She’s gone on record that she’s struggled with patellar tendinitis since high school, and the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year tore her ACL in August 2022, ahead of her junior season at UConn. Bueckers said pregame Tuesday that she had to learn how to recover when she became a pro. “I tried needling for the first time. I hate needles. But it helped my patellar tendon for sure,” Bueckers said. “ ... It was my first year doing epsom salt baths. [Just] doing things to better recover.” But she also missed some games last season for load management reasons. The Wings often rested Bueckers in times when they played back-to-backs. While questions surround Fudd’s status, especially after her limited minutes in the season opener, the Wings could just be easing in their No. 1 pick, who has experienced repeated misfortune with her right knee.

Q&A

Why did Azzi Fudd not play in the Dallas Wings' home opener?

Azzi Fudd did not play due to a right knee injury, as stated by coach Jose Fernandez.

What injuries has Azzi Fudd previously suffered?

Azzi Fudd has previously torn her ACL and MCL in 2019 and her ACL and medial meniscus in 2023, both in her right knee.

What did coach Jose Fernandez say about Azzi Fudd's limited minutes in the season opener?

Coach Fernandez declined to comment on whether Fudd's limited minutes were related to her injury, emphasizing her long-term health.

How did Azzi Fudd perform in her first game with the Dallas Wings?

In her first game against the Indiana Fever, Azzi Fudd scored three points on two shot attempts in 18 minutes.

Questions surround Azzi Fudd's status after Wings' top pick sits in home-opener loss

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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