The Dallas Wings’ 2024 regular-season opener against the Indiana Fever delivered a thriller, with Dallas edging out a 107-104 victory. Yet, the biggest post-game discussion wasn’t about the win itself but about rookie sensation Azzi Fudd, who came off the bench in her WNBA debut. Fans were left wondering if her path to a starting role might take longer than anticipated.
Despite Fudd’s quiet debut—scoring just three points and grabbing one rebound in 18 minutes—head coach Jose Fernandez made it clear the organization remains fully committed to her long-term development.
“I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is,” Fernandez said. “When it does happen, I think she’ll be ready.”
While Fudd’s performance marked the fewest points ever scored by a No. 1 pick in a regular-season debut, Fernandez refused to overreact.
“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,” the coach added, acknowledging the need to create better scoring opportunities for Fudd once she’s on the floor.
This comment reflects the team’s approach to developing their young star. Many expected Fudd to immediately step into a starring role alongside former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, but Fernandez explained why Dallas opted for a different strategy in the season opener.
**Why Did Azzi Fudd Come Off the Bench?**
Since being selected with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, fans envisioned Fudd as an instant starter. So when the opening lineup was announced without her name, it came as a surprise.
Fernandez clarified that the decision was based on experience and roster balance.
“I think she took it fine. Her and I, I don’t need to go into conversations on what’s said or what happens in practice. Our players knew three days before who our starting lineup was,” he said during a recent media session.
The coach also highlighted strong preseason performances from Aziaha James and Maddy Siegrist, who also didn’t start despite impressive numbers. James averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists off the bench in preseason, while Siegrist averaged 16 points and eight rebounds as a starter.
“It’s just a credit to the team and the makeup of our team right now and my decision to go up to Indiana and play a veteran group,” Fernandez added.
The move paid off. Instead of starting the rookie guard, Fernandez trusted a veteran-heavy lineup featuring Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Odyssey Sims, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith. Starting Sims over Fudd raised eyebrows, but Sims delivered 20 points and the stability Dallas needed.
The Wings also looked more balanced offensively with multiple ball handlers, reducing pressure on Bueckers.
“I thought she did well, scored 20 points, and did a very good job defensively. For me, I want to save Paige’s legs down the stretch in the 4th quarter. The more I can play her off the ball, we know she’s going to get trapped at the point guard spot in so many pick and roll situations,” Fernandez said.
“When Paige Bueckers is at the point guard spot, what other teams do is pick her up 94 feet and try to wear her out for 60 of it. So I mean for right now that’s our lineup, and that’s what I’m gonna go with.”
As Dallas continues easing Fudd into the rotation, another concern has emerged ahead of their next matchup.
**Injury Update Raises Questions**
With one win in the books, the Wings are set to face the Atlanta Dream in less than 24 hours. However, there is an unfortunate update: Fudd has landed on the injury report.
Listed as a game-time decision due to a right knee issue, the 5-foot-11 star’s status is uncertain. While there is no indication of a serious setback, the update has raised concerns given Fudd’s injury history dating back to college.
This adds more attention to Fudd heading into the next game. After already making headlines for coming off the bench in her debut, she now faces injury concerns just days into the regular season.
Despite the slow start and this latest issue, the organization remains confident that Azzi Fudd will become a major piece of the franchise. Whether that breakthrough comes next game, next month, or later this season, the Wings believe the No. 1 pick’s moment will arrive eventually.