Concerns grew when Azzi Fudd appeared on the injury report as probable with a right knee issue. According to Dallas Hoops Journal, Fudd participated in the team’s shootaround on May 12, working on skills alongside the guards. However, just two hours before the home opener against the Atlanta Dream, she was ruled out. Wings head coach Jose Fernandez provided the reason behind the decision.
Fudd was surprisingly left off the starting lineup against the Indiana Fever. Coming off the bench, she managed only three points in 18 minutes—the lowest scoring output for a No. 1 pick in 20 seasons. Now, fans understand one factor behind her slow WNBA start, as Fernandez explained her absence for the Dream game.
“Out of an abundance of caution and for her long-term health, we’re keeping her out tonight,” Fernandez said. He declined to share medical details about Fudd’s condition but emphasized her importance to the team. “I’m not going to discuss anything medically in regard to her or what she has done in practice or hasn’t done in practice. She’s a big part of this team. There’s a reason why we drafted her number one, and she’s going to have a great season for the Dallas Wings.”
With Fudd sidelined, Aziaha James is expected to take on a larger role. James impressed against the Fever, scoring 10 points with two rebounds and two assists, and also contributed defensively by guarding Caitlin Clark at times.
Fernandez hinted that the rapid transition from the NCAA Tournament to the WNBA may have affected Fudd. “She just finished playing a long season, and we have to put her in the best positions to be successful,” he said.
The compressed offseason made matters worse. UConn lost to South Carolina in the Final Four on April 4, just 14 days before the April 18 draft, when training camp also began. Fudd had virtually no rest after a grueling season, compounded by her history of knee injuries.
Fudd tore her ACL and MCL in her right knee in April 2019 while playing for USA Basketball. In 2023, she tore the same ACL again, forcing her to miss another year. Despite these setbacks, she returned to post impressive college seasons in 2024 and 2025. Naturally, concerns linger about the long-term impact of this injury.
Jose Fernandez downplayed any long-term worry for Fudd. “I’m sure the front office and strength and conditioning and sports medicine—everybody—does their due diligence, right? But there weren’t any concerns whatsoever,” he said.
ACL injuries are notoriously tricky, especially for women, who face higher re-injury rates and persistent instability risks. For a No. 1 draft pick, such issues are magnified. The Wings, coming off consecutive top picks, bolstered their roster with Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepherd in the offseason, aiming to improve significantly. Despite competitive draft options like Awa Fam and Olivia Miles, Fernandez insisted there were no doubts about selecting Fudd.
Although she sat out the home opener, Fudd remained in good spirits, joining Nancy Lieberman on the sidelines. While her WNBA start hasn’t been ideal, her shooting talent will be vital for the Wings later in the season. Once she finds her rhythm, she can elevate the team’s outside shooting.