DHJ Quick Take: The Power of Continuity

The Melo Endorsement: On his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, Carmelo Anthony didn’t mince words—he views pairing Azzi Fudd with Paige Bueckers as an essential move for Dallas. He argues that their years of chemistry at UConn provide a level of backcourt continuity that “proves what they can do” and eases the burden on Bueckers as the franchise cornerstone.

A “Franchise” Partnership: Anthony‘s logic is simple: if you already have your franchise player in Bueckers, why not bring in a second “potential franchise player” who already knows her “ups and downs” as a person? This personal connection, in Anthony‘s view, is the intangible factor that can accelerate a rebuild in a high-pressure market like Dallas.

Curt Miller’s Draft Board: General Manager Curt Miller has already acknowledged that there are “six prospects that have really separated” in this class. His description of “one of the best shooters with one of the fastest releases” perfectly aligns with Fudd‘s scouting report, making Melo‘s suggestion more than just podcast fodder—it’s a legitimate tactical possibility for the No. 1 pick.

The Storrs Standard: Bueckers and Fudd aren’t just former teammates; they are a championship-winning duo that defined an era for the Huskies. With the Wings looking to pivot from a 10-34 season, leveraging that existing synergy could be the most efficient way to maximize Bueckers’ prime.

ARLINGTON, Texas — NBA legend Carmelo Anthony is offering the Dallas Wings some unsolicited — but compelling — draft advice heading into the 2026 WNBA Draft: reunite Paige Bueckers with her former UConn teammate Azzi Fudd.

Anthony made his case on his 7PM in Brooklyn podcast, arguing that the proven chemistry between Bueckers and Fudd from their time together in Storrs makes the selection a no-brainer for Dallas.

“Man, I would pair Azzi Fudd with Paige Bueckers,” Anthony said. “That seems like the move, right? I would do that because it’s proven. It ain’t like it was just a one-and-done situation and they came in and got busy. No — it’s proven over multiple years.”

“I would pair Azzi up with Paige … it’s proven over 4 years.”

Melo loves the idea of the Wings picking another UConn legend with the No. 1 pick in the WNBA Draft 👀 pic.twitter.com/Eh4vsJtfw0

— 7PM in Brooklyn (@7PMinBrooklyn) April 11, 2026

Anthony stressed that the familiarity Bueckers and Fudd built at UConn extends well beyond basketball.

“At least two or three years, whatever it was — but it’s proven what we can do, what we bring, and how we play together,” Anthony said. “We know how to win. We know each other. So if you can get some continuity in the backcourt like that — and I could bring a friend, somebody I went to school with, somebody familiar with me, who knows my ups and downs, knows me as a person outside of basketball — that matters.”

A Franchise Player Bringing in Another Franchise Player

The 10-time NBA All-Star then zeroed in on the organizational logic from Dallas’s perspective, framing the selection as an extension of what the Wings already have in Bueckers.

“She’s already your franchise player,” Anthony said. “So now your franchise player is bringing in potentially another franchise player. So yeah, because it’s Dallas, I’d probably take Azzi.”

Fudd, a shooting guard out of UConn, is projected as a top-five pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft after spending four seasons alongside Bueckers in Storrs. The duo won a national championship together and developed into one of the most celebrated backcourt pairings in college basketball history.

What It Means for the Dallas Wings

The Wings hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 draft after finishing with the league’s worst record at 10-34 in 2025. Dallas selected Bueckers with the top pick last spring, and the franchise is now working on building around her for the long term.

After the Wings won the WNBA Draft Lottery, general manager Curt Miller told Dallas Hoops Journal that there were “six prospects that have really separated” and shared some insight. Fudd was certainly the player described as being “one of the best shooters with one of the fastest releases.”

“It covers the gamut,” he said. “You have a great passer and leader at point guard. One of the best shooters with one of the fastest releases. A transition player who thrives in the full court. A big-time scorer who’s led the nation. Two post players projected in the top six. An international young phenom who is still 19. Lauren Betts with her size at UCLA.”

Anthony’s endorsement adds a high-profile voice to what has become a growing conversation around the Wings’ draft strategy — and whether leveraging Bueckers’ existing relationships could accelerate the franchise’s rebuild.

Up Next

The 2026 WNBA Draft is scheduled for April. The Wings hold the No. 1 overall pick.