Azzi Fudd’s draft to the Dallas Wings was supposed to be a moment of rejoicing, stemming from her reunion with Paige Bueckers. But little did Fudd know that this would lead to an unexpected controversy, courtesy of a single PR decision by the franchise, prompting a WBB analyst to share her two cents on how this situation could have been avoided.

The reality set in at the Dallas Wings’ introductory press conference, featuring their No. 1 draft pick, Fudd. The UConn graduate subsequently faced a personal question involving Bueckers. Fudd didn’t seem very hesitant with the question, but before she could respond further, the Wings PR team said they wouldn’t allow any questions about the players’ personal lives. It quickly became a hot topic of conversation on social media, and amid it, sports show host Rachel A DeMita has shared her perspective.

“I feel like Azzi is so good in the media,” DeMita said. “She speaks so well that she could have eloquently answered this question. I actually don’t think that this question was out of bounds. I think it’s a fair question. And I think it’s a question that a lot of players have already got, because we’ve seen other couples in the WNBA…These are two teammates who are going to be playing together, who also won a National Championship. So I do actually think that it’s a fair question… I wish they had actually allowed Azzi to because I think if she had answered it, there would have been less discussion.”

Now, it’s important to understand that this wasn’t the first time Fudd was asked a similar question about her girlfriend, Bueckers. The No. 1 draftee of the year was also asked the same on draft night. Fudd answered eloquently, creating a heartfelt moment in the arena. But during the press conference, it was different.

Although the franchise PR has the right to set the guidelines and the line of questioning in the room, that’s a given. But DeMita feels that by answering the question in her own way, Fudd might have avoided the entire situation around her and the franchise.

After all, Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers isn’t the first couple playing together for the same time in the league. Natasha Cloud and Isabelle Harrison, an off-court couple, have played together for the New York Liberty. On the other hand, Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley played together for the Chicago Sky, and there have been numerous examples like that. DeMita tried to convey the same sentiment in her assessment, noting that such instances aren’t uncommon in the league.

“The Wings GM basically came out and said that they were signing NaLyssa Smith. So that they would have a better chance of also getting DiJonai Carrington because they were a couple at that time,” she said. “Like we also saw the situation around Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, you know Bonner essentially going to Phoenix to play alongside Thomas.”

Notably, DeMita isn’t the only sports analyst to share her perspective on this controversy. Veteran sportswriter Jeff Pearlman has also reinforced his stance in this regard, calling it an ‘unfair’ situation. “I actually think it’s more of an unfair judgment of women, not to mention it. Like, why is this taboo? Why are two women in a relationship even remotely taboo in 2026? It shouldn’t be at all,” he said.

All in all, it’s a rough start to a new chapter of the Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers reunion in Dallas. But regardless, Fudd is leaning toward the positive, playing with Bueckers in this tough kickstart to her pro career.

Azzi Fudd Emphasizes Her Chemistry With Paige Bueckers Amid the PR Controversy

Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers don’t just have an off-court relationship to boast about. Rather, they have a detailed history on the court that traces back to their UConn days. The duo have been vital pieces of Geno Auriemma’s recent dominant stretch in college basketball and have also won the 2025 National Championship together.

Recently, in an interview, Fudd shared that this experience will help her take the initial steps as she looks to make her mark on a new team.

“I just think that chemistry, knowing how to play with and off each other,” Fudd said.” And then also a little bit of comfort, like that’s someone that I went to school with for 3 years. Having someone that I already know and close with is gonna be tremendous as I’m gonna continue to get to know the rest of my teammates.”

Transcending from the collegiate circuit, it’s quite certain that Fudd will face some obstacles in her rookie season. The game’s pace is different, and so is the league’s physicality. Even a top-tier guard like Bueckers faced numerous injuries in her rookie season last year. Thus, it’s an added advantage for Fudd that she can gain firsthand experience in dealing with this situation.

Their off-court endeavors might be an early hurdle in their association. But that doesn’t leave any room to deny what the duo can accomplish for the Dallas Wings when they take the court together later on in the month, the pre-season, and then in the first official game against the Indiana Fever.