‘I don’t think about it that way’: Wings coach not desperate to make No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd a starter
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. ” “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.