Azzi Fudd Helps Dallas Wings' 2026 Draft Class Earn High Marks

The Dallas Wings had the No. 1 overall pick in back-to-back years, and both times they took a player from the UConn Huskies.

Last year, Dallas selected Paige Bueckers at the top of the draft - and she put forth a Rookie of the Year-winning season.

The Wings are hoping Azzi Fudd replicates her success next season after picking the former UConn guard first overall earlier this week. Dallas only had one other pick in the draft, which it used on Tennessee power forward Zee Spearman (No. 31 overall).

Though the Wings left the draft with just two picks, it was enough to earn a high draft grade ESPN's Michael Voepel, who gave Dallas an A grade. The team was one of three to earn an A grade, while the Washington Mystics received an A+, the highest of any team.

"Once the Wings’ free agency moves were made, it became clear that they would pick Fudd as a strong complement to Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers in the backcourt," Voepel wrote. "The Wings added veteran posts Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard and retained Ogunbowale. All those moves create a team that should be stronger defensively and hard to guard with so many high-skilled perimeter threats.

"Spearman has size and shot-blocking ability, but she didn’t finish shots during her senior season the way she had earlier in her career. Ultimately, this grade is based entirely on adding Fudd, whose 3-point shooting could help the Wings get back to the playoffs."

With Fudd in the fold, the Wings roster looks much more competitive this year than it was a season ago.

Fudd and Bueckers were teammates at UConn for years (they won a national championship in 2025), and their chemistry should help Fudd's transition to the pro game.

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This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 10:56 PM.