Azzi Fudd’s rookie season is over.
The Dallas Wings’ No. 1 overall draft pick is undergoing season-ending knee surgery, the team announced Wednesday. The Wings said the arthroscopic procedure will address ongoing right knee soreness.
“I know exactly what comes next: rehab, put in the work, come back ready and better than before,” Fudd wrote in a post on her Instagram story after the announcement. “Grateful for my family, my circle, and the Wings organization for the support.”
Dallas ruled the guard out 30 minutes before tipoff against the Golden State Valkyries on Aug. 7, citing an abundance of caution after Fudd experienced soreness during warmups.
It was the first game she missed since the Wings’ May 12 home opener at College Park Center. The team also cited an abundance of caution in that situation.
Fudd entered the WNBA coming off a long college season at UConn that included a run to the Final Four. The 23-year-old tore her ACL and MCL in 2019 and tore her ACL and medial meniscus in 2023. Both injuries were to her right knee.
In 30 games this season, Fudd averaged 13.1 points and 1.7 steals while shooting 39.7% from three. Fudd’s 62 made 3-pointers are the most in team history for a first-year player. Fudd became the first rookie in WNBA history to win the 3-point contest at WNBA All-Star weekend last month. She ranks top 5 in the league in steals.
Fudd, who averaged 31.7 minutes per game, was a key member of the starting lineup. In games she hasn’t played, the Wings have gone 1-5.
“Obviously, when you have one of the best shooters that’s probably going to play the game not on the floor, it’s a little easier to guard us,” Wings guard Odyssey Sims told reporters Wednesday after practice before the team announced Fudd’s status.
Her absence is one of many obstacles the Wings (20-16) have faced in their post All-Star break slide, which has seen the team go 2-7 over its last nine games.
“You go through ups and downs. It’s pretty normal in this league,” Wings forward Jessica Shepard told reporters Wednesday after practice. “Obviously, Azzi not playing in some of those games I think impacts it a bit.”