Azzi Fudd. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Wings' Azzi Fudd reacts to playing with Paige Bueckers again

By Ernesto Cova | Last updated Apr 14, 2026 10:12 AM ET

In a somewhat controversial turn of events, the Dallas Wings took UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

Fudd was always projected as a top-10 pick, so that steep selection was surprising. Moreover, her relationship with Wings star Paige Bueckers sparked criticism over the decision.

Regardless, the former national champion isn't only looking forward to reuniting with her backcourt running mate. When asked about this major step, Fudd gushed about the Wings roster and how she can help turn the franchise around.

Azzi Fudd raves about Paige Bueckers and Wings' potential

"I feel like there's still so much left on the table and so much unknown -- just so much potential -- with not just her but the entire Dallas Wings roster," Fudd said, per SNY. "I can't wait obviously to play with her again but to play with every single one of them."

"I feel like there's still so much left on the table and so much unknown - just so much potential - with not just her but the entire Dallas Wings roster. I can't wait obviously to play with her again but to play with every single one of them."

- Azzi Fudd on Paige Bueckers pic.twitter.com/OEq1hvx8vE
— UConn Women’s Basketball Videos (@SNYUConn) April 14, 2026

Granted, taking her No. 1 may not have been the best look, especially considering that the Wings could've always traded down and gotten her a bit later in the first round.

That said, she played with Bueckers for four years, and they won a national championship together. More than that, they've known each other since they were teenagers, when they both tried out for Team USA. That type of on-court chemistry also matters, and even if they only did that to suit Bueckers (which probably isn't the case), that's also a good way to commit to the face of the franchise.

To be fair, even if it's a unique dynamic, that's no different from what the Milwaukee Bucks do with Giannis Antetokounmpo or what the Los Angeles Lakers did with Bronny James. Whatever the case, Fudd enters the league with an impressive track record, and she should have more than enough opportunities to silence the critics.

Ernesto Cova

Ernesto is a bilingual (English-Spanish) sports writer with over eight years of experience covering major leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB. Ernesto’s work focuses on providing insightful, up-to-date coverage of sports, blending his expertise in sports psychology with a passion for analyzing player performance, team dynamics, and trade developments across various sports leagues

More must-reads: