Dallas Wings' Azzi Fudd scores three points in WNBA debut, lowest for No. 1 pick
Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd scored three points in 18 minutes off the bench during a 107-104 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday, setting the lowest-scoring WNBA debut for a No. 1 overall pick. The game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis featured the four most recent top draft selections. Fudd, selected first overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, entered as the latest addition to Dallas' crowded backcourt.
The 30th WNBA season began Friday with three games, including the expansion Toronto Tempo's debut. Saturday's full slate included Caitlin Clark's return for the Fever after an injury-affected sophomore year. Dallas coach Jose Fernandez supported Fudd afterward, saying she should "keep doing what she’s doing" amid competition from five talented backcourt players, including last year's No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, No. 12 pick Aziaha James, four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale and Odyssey Sims.
Until Fudd's debut, Kelsey Plum held the mark with four points as the 2017 No. 1 pick for the then-San Antonio Stars, who became the Las Vegas Aces after relocation. Plum earned All-Rookie honors that season and later secured four All-Star nods and two championships.
The Wings selected Fudd amid questions over her relationship with teammate Bueckers. Bueckers stated last month the pick stemmed from Fudd's merits as a player and person, with their personal matters private. Dallas hosts the Atlanta Dream in its home opener on Tuesday.
