The Dallas Wings landed the first overall pick for the second consecutive season and will be in a position to fast-track their rebuilding after back-to-back disastrous seasons. Sadly, they won’t have an easy choice like in 2025, with many top-pick candidates showcasing their talent at various levels. Olivia Miles, Awa Fam, and Azzi Fudd are shining for their respective teams, while the earlier favorite, Lauren Betts, is slightly falling behind.
GM Curt Miller even spoke about Caitlin Clark-Paige Bueckers’ trade speculation after the Dallas Wings’ 2026 WNBA Draft lottery win. While his words highlight the franchise’s eagerness to select the first overall pick, WNBA analyst Chiney Ogwumike simplified the puzzle for the Wings.
Chiney Ogwumike Shows Support For Azzi Fudd As Wings’ 2026 Top Pick
ESPN’s analyst, on the recent episode of NBA Today, was ready with her analysis and reasons for the Wings to select the UConn guard ahead of the rest of the 2026 WNBA draft class. A two-time All-Star and top analyst was direct with her answer and didn’t put any other name in her analysis, making it crystal clear for the franchise.
Ogwumike said, “One thing that translates in the WNBA is shooting. I would not be surprised if Azzi Fudd is the number one pick. She’s someone that’s leading them in scoring so far and has had multiple games with multiple threes. So she’s a shooter, and that’s good.”
The guard is averaging 21.0 points per game for the reigning champions and netting 23-of-45 three-point attempts. While her shooting numbers are impressive, she is also averaging 3.8 rebounds, 3.5 assists per game, along with 2.2 steals, showcasing her overall impact on the game.
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While strengthening the forward position is the Wings’ primary target for the 2026 season roster, adding a guard via the draft would significantly impact their plans. Yet the Chiney Ogwumike’s suggestion could be much effective.
Azzi Fudd Fits In Perfectly For Dallas Wings’ Development Plan
The Wings’ roster has faced multiple flaws over the years, primarily including inconsistency and a persistent lack of cohesion. PB was efficient and effective on the floor, winning the Rookie of the Year accolade with her gameplay, but the team couldn’t match her performance and finished last in the ranking.
Now, with the opportunity to pair PB with Azzi Fudd, her partner in UConn’s championship run and MOP of the recent NCAA tournament, the Wings will have a young and solid backcourt pairing that could run the games for them for years.
Apart from her ability to play at the guard position, the player makes an impact in multiple ways, making her a lethal weapon alongside their franchise player, Buckers. As for the forward position, the side can now invest heavily in it during the offseason.
Well before the 2026 WNBA lottery draft, Bueckers embraced the challenge of facing Azzi Fudd, but now with the first pick in Dallas’s hand, their faceoff might be in the training session only.