The Dallas Wings have struggled to find consistency over the past two seasons, leaving fans eager for a turnaround: So, enter Azzi Fudd, the highly touted guard from UConn and girlfriend of Paige Bueckers.
Her entry into the WNBA could represent not only a reunion with Bueckers but also a strategic boost for a franchise in need of scoring and perimeter defense as they look to reach the postseason in coming years.
Fudd’s decision to remain at UConn for an extra year, despite being projected as a first-round pick, has generated debate as while some questioned the delay, her extended college tenure may now prove beneficial.
With Bueckers recovering from injuries and tasked with leading a struggling Dallas roster, Fudd‘s arrival could be timely when she enters the league not simply as a shooter, but as a potential key contributor capable of elevating the Wings‘ backcourt.
“Chris said, ‘We can’t rebound. We can’t get out in transition. Even if we get a stop, if we can’t stay in front of people and we’re having to over-help,'” Joey Mistretta reports. “Basically, what he’s saying is they need to upgrade their perimeter defense.
“Dallas also kind of lacks an interior presence on both sides. Not a lot of scoring around the rim, not a lot of rim protection. So if they have the number one pick, what do you think is more pressing of a need? A three-and-D guard or a rim-protecting big?
“When I look at Lauren Betts and I look at Azzi Fudd, both of those players would make sense. On Wings Twitter, people are like, ‘No, it’s only Lauren Betts,’ or ‘No, it’s only Fudd.’
“For me, both of them make sense. I want to watch this next season, see who shows the most potential, and go from there. I do want to mention the Fudd thing again because people have talked about it being a distraction.
“It won’t be. Paige Bueckers is so professional.”
The prospect of Fudd joining Dallas has grown stronger following the Wings’ recent performance as the team has maintained the league’s worst record for two consecutive seasons, positioning them favorably for the draft lottery.
However, even if they do not secure the top pick, the 2026 draft class offers multiple prospects capable of contributing immediately alongside Bueckers – such as the aforementioned Betts.
The UCLA center, who averaged 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks per game on 64.8% shooting during her breakout junior season, would make a lovely compliment to Bueckers’ own talents.
Who do the Dallas Wings play next?
The Dallas Wings‘ next game is scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, against the Golden State Valkyries.
The game will take place at Chase Center in San Francisco, California, with tip-off at 10:00 PM ET/7:00 PM PT.
The Wings are entering this matchup with a 9-30 record, while the Valkyries hold a 19-18 record.
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