Wings rookie Azzi Fudd sets dubious WNBA record with lowest-scoring debut by top pick

The 30th season of the WNBA began on May 8, 2026, marking a milestone anniversary for the league that opened with three games, including the historic first-ever contest for the expansion Toronto Tempo. The momentum carried into May 9, 2026, with a full slate of games that centered on the return of Caitlin Clark following a sophomore season hampered by injuries.

One of the most scrutinized matchups of the opening weekend took place on May 9, 2026, as the Indiana Fever hosted the Dallas Wings. The game served as a showcase for the league’s newest elite talent, featuring the four most recent No. 1 overall draft picks on the court simultaneously. While the Dallas Wings ultimately secured a narrow 107-104 victory, the narrative of the game shifted toward the struggling debut of the most recent top pick, Azzi Fudd.

A Dubious Record for Azzi Fudd

Entering the game with immense expectations, Fudd played 18 minutes off the bench and finished the night with only three points. According to reporting from Fox News, this mark represents the lowest scoring total ever recorded by a No. 1 overall pick in their WNBA debut.

Fudd previously trailed the record held by Kelsey Plum, who scored four points in her debut after being selected first overall by the San Antonio Stars in 2017. The San Antonio franchise later relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 and rebranded as the Aces.

Despite the slow start to her professional career, the historical trajectory of Kelsey Plum provides a potential blueprint for Fudd. After her underwhelming debut, Plum went on to earn All-Rookie team honors that year. In the subsequent seasons, Plum became a four-time All-Star and won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.

Following the May 9 game, Wings coach Jose Fernandez offered a supportive perspective on the rookie’s performance, encouraging Fudd to Keep doing what she’s doing, it’s her first year in the league and noting that the team possesses five really talented backcourt players.

Draft Controversy and Personal Dynamics

The selection of Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick had been a point of contention prior to the season. Public speculation raised questions regarding whether Paige Bueckers’ personal relationship with Fudd influenced the Dallas Wings’ decision to draft her at the top spot.

Bueckers, who was last year’s top draft pick and is also a member of the Wings, addressed these claims in April 2026. In a statement provided to ESPN, Bueckers defended the selection based on Fudd’s merits as both an athlete and an individual.

Azzi Fudd was the No. 1 draft pick because she earned it, and it had nothing to do with me and everything to do with who she is as a human being, who she is as a basketball player.

Paige Bueckers

Bueckers also sought to keep the details of their relationship private, stating in April 2026 that Quite frankly, I believe me and Azzi’s personal relationship is nobody’s business but our own and that the couple would choose what to share publicly.

Neither athlete has provided a public update regarding their relationship status since the draft took place in April 2026.

A High-Powered Dallas Backcourt

Despite Fudd’s difficult start, the Dallas Wings have assembled one of the most potent backcourts in the league. The roster currently features a concentrated blend of rookie talent and established stardom, including:

The Wings will look to find a better rhythm for Fudd as they move into their home schedule. The team is set to play their home opener on May 12, 2026, when they host the Atlanta Dream.