In reality, when the Dallas Wings made Azzi Fudd the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, almost no one was surprised. After all, Fudd had a very successful college career at UConn, had played with Wings star Paige Bueckers for several years, and the two were even romantically involved.
Fudd was considered a safe prospect with room to grow. Due to playing on teams stacked with talent, Fudd was more of a three-and-D type player with the Huskies. So far during her rookie season with Dallas, that’s who she’s been as well. Her season has been positive overall, as she’s averaging over 13 points per game. The problem is that comparison is the thief of joy, and there’s an unavoidable comparison to be made.
Paige Bueckers quickly defends teammate Jessica Shepard after heated exchange with Olivia Miles
Olivia Miles’ amazing rookie season has Dallas Wings fans wondering if Azzi Fudd was the right pick
Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles has exploded onto the scene in 2026. She has completely overshadowed every other rookie, including Fudd, who was selected one pick before her. In college, Miles was an overall playmaker, more in the ilk of Bueckers.
As a rookie, Miles has wasted no time getting acclimated, as she’s currently leading the Lynx in points (19.6) and assists (6.0) per game. She’s doing it all, and Minnesota currently has the best record in the league.
There’s still a long way to go in each of their respective careers. Fudd has all the talent and potential in the world to become a star in the WNBA. But it’s impossible to not look at what Miles is doing and wonder if Dallas picked the right player.
It’s also fair to wonder if Miles would be having the same type of season if she were on the Wings. Miles is a ball-dominant player who would have had to cede that ball to Bueckers for large portions of games – rightfully so, since Bueckers is a superstar. Whether they would have meshed well together, we’ll never know.