Is it a fair question, or a line that shouldn’t be crossed? A Dallas Morning News columnist asked Azzi Fudd about her relationship with Paige Bueckers. But that seems to be a line that they should not cross, at least according to a Dallas Wings representative who stepped in before Fudd could answer. However, Christine Brennan, one of the most respected sports journalists in the country and the author of a bestselling book about Caitlin Clark, seems to think otherwise.

For Brennan, that was a question Azzi Fudd could have answered perfectly well. As she put it: “As someone who has asked questions of WNBA players since the ‘90s, I think a smart pro athlete like Azzi Fudd would have done a fine job answering Kelvin Sherrington however she liked. Instead, I’m reminded of what Annie Costabile said in On Her Game: Is this a sport or a charity?”

Kelvin Sherrington’s question was simply to confirm whether Azzi’s relationship with Paige, which Bueckers had publicly acknowledged last December, was still ongoing. And if it was, he wanted to know whether they had consulted other couples in the league for perspective on how to navigate that dynamic as professional teammates. That question, however, met a roadblock. The Dallas Wings representative stepped in and stopped the exchange, stating that they would not be commenting on players’ private lives.

Of course, Paige Bueckers had already confirmed her relationship with Fudd last year, and on multiple occasions. The two were also teammates at UConn for years. Now, with the Dallas Wings selecting Azzi with the No. 1 overall pick, they are reuniting. And not just as former teammates, but as a couple, as they have openly acknowledged.

So, to Brennan, Sherrington’s question was a valid one. In her view, Fudd would likely have answered it on her own terms if the Wings representative had not been overprotective, as she implied in her reference to prominent American sports journalist Annie Costabile’s statement in Caitlin Clark’s “On Her Game” book. And perhaps Brennan has a point. The WNBA is not a charity; it is a major professional league. And with that comes a level of scrutiny similar to top-tier competitions like the NBA or the NFL.

Azzi Fudd Says It Feels Special to Play With Paige Bueckers Again

Although their four-year tenure as teammates at UConn was disrupted by a season-ending ACL tear for Bueckers, the duo still formed a highly productive partnership that yielded a national championship and multiple Big East titles.

Of course, this tried-and-true partnership would have been a factor in what made the Dallas Wings select Azzi in the draft. However, for Fudd, playing with Bueckers goes beyond just a successful on-court partnership and the trophies they won. The two also share a close relationship off the court, and she is simply excited to reunite with her friend. In her own words, I have “no control over where I get drafted, but it really feels special to play with my best friend again. It really is special.”

Fudd also acknowledged the chemistry they share on the court. As she explained, they know how to play with and off each other. But beyond that, having someone she already knows and is close with is going to be tremendous, as it brings a sense of comfort.

The Dallas Wings will now hope that this Azzi–Paige partnership delivers once again. They open their regular season in 22 days. And that’s against none other than the Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark. It’s a tough test right from the start.