The WNBA 2026 season rosters are nearly complete, and the scenes before and after the CBA, and after its finalization, are completely different. The expansion draft and free-agent signings filled rosters, and teams will now welcome rookies into the league, with the Dallas Wings making the first pick. There had been a massive close contest between Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, and Awa Fam for the prestigious top pick position so far.
The Aces and Fever received back-to-back first picks in recent drafts and created contender teams. Now the Wings will have a similar chance with Paige Bueckers proving her capabilities, winning the Rookie of the Year accolade in 2025.
Dallas Wings To Select Azzi Fudd As First Overall Pick
The WNBA draft has played a vital role in the league, with most top picks earning major accolades with their franchises and winning titles. The 2026 draft class is one of the deepest ones and will have multiple players as candidates for the top pick, making the decision even more difficult for the franchise.
ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike even tried to get the input from GM Curt Miller, who was her coach once. Though she failed to get any hint, ESPN projects Azzi Fudd as the top pick for the 2026 season in its latest mock draft.
You're on the clock, time to be the GM 🕐
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 13, 2026
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The guard lost in the final four and faced heavy criticism for her ‘no show,’ but her connection with Paige Bueckers and her abilities might play a vital role in the decision. As ESPN’s Michael Voepel notes, Fudd’s elite 3-point shooting and growth as a defender make her a good fit with the Wings.
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He is not the only analyst seeing the UConn star making a massive move; NBA’s Carmelo Anthony also backed the idea of combining PB and Fudd.
Carmelo Anthony Lauds Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers Reunion
The Virginia-born guard had been one of the top picks right from the start, and with the Wings landing first pick, everyone put her in the prime position for the first overall pick. Though Awa Fam and Betts’ performance changed the order. But Melo backed the idea of reuniting the UConn duo on his podcast.
“I would do that because it has been proven… it’s been proven over four years,” he said. “They know how to play together, they know how to win. They know each other, so if you could get continuity in the backcourt like that, if it was me, I know my ups and downs, I know me as a person outside of basketball, and now the franchise player is bringing in another potential franchise player.”
"I would pair Azzi up with Paige … it's proven over 4 years."
— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) April 11, 2026
Melo loves the idea of the Wings picking another UConn legend with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/Eh4vsJtfw0
The 2025 NCAA championship is a prime example of their output as a pair on the floor, where Fudd won the Most Outstanding Player award while Bueckers was the top scorer.