Dallas Wings' Azzi Fudd Earns Praise From A'ja Wilson After Breakout Rookie Performance

Azzi Fudd, the Dallas Wings' first overall pick from the 2026 WNBA Draft, has made an immediate impact in her early career, earning high praise from reigning MVP A'ja Wilson for her professional mindset and execution on the court. The former UConn standout recorded a career-high 24 points during the Wings' 91-76 victory over the New York Liberty, with 17 of those points coming in the third quarter alone. Her six made three-pointers established a new franchise rookie record for Dallas.

Wilson's Assessment of Fudd's Transition

A'ja Wilson, who has experienced the pressures of being a first overall pick herself after the Las Vegas Aces selected her in 2018, offered insight into what makes Fudd's adjustment to the professional level noteworthy. Wilson highlighted Fudd's mental toughness and consistent approach as distinguishing factors. "Her mental is always so tough," Wilson said, noting that Fudd maintained a level of steadiness even during her college career that suggested she would handle the professional transition well.

Wilson acknowledged that while Fudd will inevitably face ups and downs as a rookie, her handling of early-season challenges has been measured. Wilson's own trajectory—becoming a seven-time All-Star, four-time WNBA MVP, and three-time Defensive Player of the Year—provides context for the exceptional standards typically expected of top draft picks, though Wilson emphasized that such expectations should be tempered for most players.

Fudd's Continued Development

Fudd made her first starting appearance as the Wings prepared to face the Las Vegas Aces in Arlington, Texas, with the matchup streaming on Prime Video. The Wings currently hold a 4-3 record, while the Aces sit at 4-2. Multiple Dallas starters were dealing with illness-related absences, yet Fudd was slated to enter the starting lineup regardless of their availability, signaling the organization's confidence in her abilities and roster depth needs.

The addition of Paige Bueckers and other complementary pieces has provided the Wings with expanded offensive dimensions, with both players relying on signature shooting styles to enhance Dallas's scoring versatility moving forward.