Azzi Fudd sets record for lowest points scored by a No. 1 pick in debut
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The extremely anticipated thirtieth WNBA season tipped off Friday with three video games, together with the enlargement Toronto Tempo’s first-ever contest.
The motion continued Saturday with a full slate, together with Caitlin Clark’s return after an injury-riddled sophomore season.
Clark and the Indiana Fever hosted the Dallas Wings on Saturday afternoon in a matchup that includes the 4 most up-to-date No. 1 general picks. The Wings outlasted the Fever 107-104, however the recreation was outlined by Azzi Fudd’s — the newest prime pick — underwhelming debut.
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Dallas Wings guards Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers react in the course of the first half of the Fever’s season opener at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on May 9, 2026. (Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK by way of Imagn Images)
Fudd performed 18 minutes off the bench, scoring three points — the lowest ever by a No. 1 general pick in a WNBA debut.
Wings coach Jose Fernandez addressed Fudd’s efficiency after the sport, encouraging the rookie to, “Keep doing what she’s doing, it’s her first year in the league. We got five really talented backcourt players.”
In addition to Fudd, Dallas’ backcourt options final yr’s prime draft pick Paige Bueckersfinal season’s No. 12 general pick Aziaha James, four-time All-Star Arike Ogunbowale and beginning guard Odyssey Sims.
Until Saturday, Kelsey Plum held the record for the lowest-scoring debut by a No. 1 pick. Selected first general by the then-San Antonio Stars in 2017, she scored simply 4 points in her debut. The Stars relocated to Las Vegas in 2018 and had been subsequently rebranded because the Aces.
Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd warms up earlier than the sport towards the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on May 9, 2026. (Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
Despite the sluggish begin to her first season in the league, Plum ended the yr with All-Rookie workforce honors. In the years since, she’s been named to 4 All-Star groups and received two championships with the Aces.
The Wings’ choice to take Fudd with the No. 1 general pick drew controversy, elevating questions on whether or not Bueckers’ private relationship along with her influenced the choice. Late final month, Bueckers mentioned final month it did not.
Azzi Fudd poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being chosen first general by the Dallas Wings in the course of the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed in New York City on April 13, 2026. (Angelina Katsanis/Getty Images)
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“Azzi Fudd was the No. 1 draft pick because she earned it, and she 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,” Bueckers mentioned, in line with to ESPN.
Neither Bueckers nor Fudd have publicly up to date their relationship standing for the reason that April draft.
“Quite frankly, I believe me and Azzi’s personal relationship is nobody’s business but our own,” Bueckers additionally mentioned in April. “And what we choose to share is completely up to us.”
Next up, the Wings play their dwelling opener on Tuesday after they host the Atlanta Dream.
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