Fewest points for a No. 1 pick in WNBA debut: Azzi Fudd underwhelms in first game with Wings originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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This year’s WNBA Draft class lacked the same slam dunk pick of year’s past. The Dallas Wings had the first pick, but didn’t have someone like Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark or Aliyah Boston to select.
With a few names in play, the Wings took the most popular name leading into the night, UConn SG Azzi Fudd. In the Wings’ season opener, Fudd didn’t start. She came off the bench for 18 minutes of action, scoring just three points.
These three points are a record low for the WNBA debut of any No. 1 overall pick in the league’s history.
Here’s what to know about Fudd’s debut struggles.
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Fewest points for a No. 1 pick in WNBA debut
Azzi Fudd’s opening performance against the Fever set a record for the lowest points scored in a No. 1 pick’s debut. Jose Fernandez, the new head coach of the Wings, was asked about her postgame. He emphasized the team’s backcourt depth when explaining her limited minutes.
According to Drake Keeler, Fernandez is looking for Fudd to “keep doing what she’s doing, it’s her first year in the league. We got 5 really talented backcourt players.”
Jose Fernandez was asked postgame about what he’s looking for from Azzi Fudd coming off the bench.
“Keep doing what she’s doing, it’s her first year in the league. We got 5 really talented backcourt players.”
Named Paige, Arike, Odyssey, Azzi and Aziaha as those players.
— Drake (@DrakeKeeler) May 9, 2026
The previous record low was held by Kelsey Plum, who was taken first overall by the San Antonio Stars in 2017. She played just 12 minutes in her debut, scoring four points.
The good news for Fudd is that Plum ended that season on the All-Rookie team. She later blossomed into a 4-time All Star who made the All-WNBA first team in 2022.
MORE: Ranking the 30 best WNBA players in 2026
Azzi Fudd stats vs. Fever
Fudd’s first game against the Fever was not ideal, making one shot from the floor in 18 minutes behind a strong group of guards in Dallas.
| Minutes | Points | Field Goals | Assists | Rebounds |
| 18 | 3 | 1/2 | 0 | 1 |
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Azzi Fudd draft controversy
Entering the 2026 WNBA Draft, Azzi Fudd was the favorite to go No. 1 overall, but it was not a consensus choice. Fudd is also dating Wings’ Guard Paige Bueckers, a consensus No. 1 pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
When Fudd was chosen at No. 1 overall, their relationship made fans skeptical about the influence Bueckers may have over the team.
Paige Bueckers weighed in on these relationship concerns during a preseason press conference.
“Azzi Fudd was the No. 1 draft pick because she earned it, and it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with who she is as a human being, who she is as a basketball player,” Bueckers said, according to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou.
