A number of factors have led people to question the Dallas Wings decision to select Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick. For some, it is her injury history. Others question how she fits alongside two ball-dominant stars in Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers. There are also arguments that prospects like Olivia Miles or Awa Fam may have addressed roster needs more directly. And for some, the skepticism comes from the existing relationship between Bueckers and Fudd.

The Dallas Wings Head Coach José Fernández has, however, come out to put those doubts to rest, stating that the decision to draft Fudd was deliberate and necessary. “We took Azzi Fudd, because she is the best player for this franchise. And in my system, I thought that she would be very successful, that’s why we drafted her,” Fernández said in the team’s day 3 training camp interview. The head coach also further explained how exactly Fudd fits into the team’s system, saying, “she has a very unique skill set. She can shoot the crap out of a basketball, and she can create off the bounce. She also invested and got better defensively.”

Fernández’s confidence is backed by Fudd’s production. She is one of the most efficient high-volume shooters in recent college basketball history, and her final season showed a complete offensive package. She averaged 17.3 points per game while shooting 44.7 percent from three, one of the best marks in the country, while also adding 3.1 assists per game. More importantly, she showed real defensive growth, consistently generating steals and impacting games on both ends. It is that blend of elite shooting, playmaking, and improved defense that makes her such a clean fit for what Dallas is trying to build.

The WNBA is a different level, but Fernández believes the transition will be smooth because of the environment around her. He emphasized that veterans and frontcourt players will help create clean looks for Fudd, allowing her to thrive both on and off the ball while learning the system quickly.

And the support system is real. The Wings enter the 2026 season with experienced players like Alysha Clark, a veteran champion, along with Odyssey Sims and franchise scorer Arike Ogunbowale. And of course, Paige Bueckers, who remains a cornerstone of the team, should make Fudd’s transition even smoother given their familiarity on and off the court.

There is little doubt about what Fudd brings. Fernández made it clear the Wings needed to improve their three-point shooting and floor spacing, and Fudd directly addresses both. But in his view, her impact goes beyond shooting, as her ability to create and defend adds another layer to the offense.

Dallas Wings Teammates Weigh In on Azzi Fudd’s Addition to The Team

Since arriving in Dallas, Fudd’s teammates, especially Paige Bueckers, have been quick to highlight her impact. Bueckers pointed to her cutting ability, basketball IQ, and defensive instincts, noting that Fudd “disrupts a lot of stuff” on that end.

Beyond Bueckers, other teammates have echoed that sentiment. Li Yueru praised Fudd as a shooter and emphasized creating space for her through screens. Second-year guard Aziaha James added that Fudd’s background in a winning program shows up immediately in how she understands the game. Both pointed to her natural scoring ability as something that stands out right away.

Returning guard Grace Berger added that Fudd’s versatility allows her to fit into almost any system, while also pointing out her humility despite the attention that comes with being the No. 1 pick.

There is also precedent for this kind of belief paying off. When Elena Delle Donne entered the league with health concerns, the Chicago Sky still built around her skill set and were rewarded with an MVP-level player and eventual championship success. Dallas is betting on a similar outcome with Fudd.

The Wings open preseason play on April 30 against the Indiana Fever, where Fudd is expected to make her first appearance. For now, Fernández’s message is clear: the vision is set, and the belief in Fudd is not changing.