Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd sits in a place she\u2019d rather not be. Fudd, the No. 1 in this year\u2019s WNBA draft pick, is sidelined through injury and forced to watch her team from the sideline.<\/p>\n
A season-ending injury forced the former UConn star to the bench. Yet, her team looks like a serious playoff contender and trudges along without her. Furthermore, the rise of another rookie elevated the number of questions and think pieces about Fudd\u2019s connection to her.<\/p>\n
Azzi Fudd Brushes Off Comparison to Olivia Miles Ahead of WNBA Playoffs<\/p>\n
Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles is viewed by many as the presumptive rookie of the year. Miles, chosen with the No. 2 selection, has not only met expectations but exceeded them, as many consider the Lynx the odds-on favorite to win the WNBA championship.<\/p>\n
As a result, comparisons between Fudd and Miles have surfaced. During a media round, Fudd offered a direct and pointed response when Miles\u2019 name and any drawn parallels were mentioned.<\/p>\n
The Wings are locked into the eighth and final spot in this year\u2019s playoffs. Meanwhile, Minnesota sits at the top of the WNBA standings, holding a two-game lead over the Golden State Valkyries.<\/p>\n
As is the custom, the rookie performances of the top two picks of any year\u2019s draft will always be compared. Fudd has now articulated her side (via Myah Taylor of Dallas News)<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cLiv has had a fantastic season, she\u2019s playing phenomenally. But, I don\u2019t get caught up in comparing myself. I think comparison is the thief of joy. And once you do that, I just feel like when you start to, it\u2019s like the social media thing. When you start to look outside yourself, there\u2019s just so many distractions that take away from the work that you could be doing,\u201d Fudd said.<\/p>\n In 30 games, before the aforementioned knee injury ended her WNBA rookie campaign, Fudd averaged 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, while shooting 45.6% from the field, 39.7% from beyond the arc, and 82.6% from the free throw line.<\/p>\n In contrast, Miles, to this point, has recorded averages of 19.7 points, 6 assists, and 4.6 rebounds, while shooting 49.5% from the field, 39.6% from beyond the arc, and 86.9% from the free-throw line. Defensively, Fudd holds an edge in steals (1.7 to 1.3) and blocks (0.8 to 0.6).<\/p>\n Comparing the top two picks is commonplace. For example, in 2007, the Portland Trail Blazers drafted Ohio State center Greg Oden with the No.1 pick. Oden played just three seasons, missing three others due to knee injuries.<\/p>\n MORE: \u2018Where (Cathy) Engelbert Went Wrong\u2019 \u2013 Writer Lauds Adam Silver for Seeking Sophie Cunningham\u2019s Input on Next WNBA Commissioner<\/a><\/p>\n The No. 2 pick that year, Kevin Durant, has gone on to become one of the most prolific scorers in modern NBA history.<\/p>\n Fudd will return next year in hopes of capitalizing on the potential that made her the first selection. Whether she can match Miles\u2019 early success<\/a> remains to be seen.<\/p>\n