After several speculations and mock drafts, the Dallas Wings finally selected Azzi Fudd as its first overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft. ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike backed Fudd as the Dallas Wings’ no. 1 pick from the start and gave her elite shooting as the primary reason for the selection.
While the player did well in the preseason games, she was neither a starter in the opening game nor played significant minutes. The analyst was not happy with the idea of ‘preserving’ talent like Fudd.
Chiney Ogwumike Slammed Dallas Wings’ Decision Over Azzi Fudd
Playing for the Connecticut Sun in 2014, Chiney Ogwumike won the Rookie of the Year accolade, averaging 15.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game for the side. While he had a chance to flourish within the system and on the court, the former WNBA player questioned the Wings’ choice with the first overall pick.
“Playing 17 minutes and only shooting the ball twice is something that should never happen with your number one pick. She needs to have the opportunity to create her own destiny,” Ogwumike said on her Chiney Today show.
Chiney Ogwumike on Azzi not starting in the Wings game against the Fever pic.twitter.com/4OrOtQUnDL
— Azzi Fudd Report (@AzziReport) May 12, 2026
“You have the number one pick, and the last thing you want is for her not to feel completely confident. Azzi Fudd is the best shooter we’ve seen in a long time, she’s a pure shooter. You don’t want to create that lack of confidence in your number one pick,” She added.
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While the player’s current status in the second game is more concerning, Ogwumike made a valid point by giving the top pick time on the floor in a competitive game. Interestingly, Coach Fernandez also agrees with the idea.
Coach Jose Fernandez Shows Complete Faith in Azzi Fudd
GM Curt Miller sees the former UConn star as a key member of the rotation for the Dallas team, and reporters also asked the same question of coach Fernandez after the game about starting the 22-year-old guard.
“I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is … When it does happen, I think she’ll be ready. The other thing, when she gets in and she’s a shooter, I gotta get her more involved, get her some looks, but you got to give other teams credit too. Other teams prepare for really good players,” Coach said.
Jose Fernandez on if he wants Azzi Fudd to join the starting lineup at some point this season, via @DrakeKeeler:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) May 11, 2026
"I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is … When it does happen, I think she'll be ready."
The difference between the 2025 Wings team and the 2026 Wings roster is the depth, and the coach will look to use this ‘advantage’ wisely to keep players fresh for the season.