Why Reuniting Azzi Fudd With Paige Bueckers in WNBA Draft Actually Makes Sense

The basketball social media sphere was set on fire Monday night during the WNBA Draft.

With the No. 1 overall pick, the Dallas Wings selected UConn guard Azzi Fudd.

Much has already been made about this selection feeling like a surprise, as the Wings needed frontcourt help – not another backcourt player. But Fudd was college teammates with Paige Bueckers, who the Wings selected No. 1 overall last season. They also have a public, personal, romantic relationship.

Of course, the internet trolls instantly believed that the Wings only drafted Fudd because she is dating Bueckers, the face of the franchise in Dallas. Speculation has already run rampant that the Wings only made this selection to appease Bueckers by landing her partner and former college teammate.

Only a few basketball couples have become teammates in the WNBA. But it’s wildly unfair to suggest that Bueckers and Fudd’s personal relationship with each other was the only reason why she became the No. 1 overall pick.

In reality, Fudd’s top selection was hardly a surprise.

To those who actually follow the WNBA, Fudd was expected to be the No. 1 overall pick before the draft. Even though TCU guard Olivia Miles and UCLA center Lauren Betts were popular draft prospects, Fudd fills an important role for the Wings – strictly on the court. Major mock drafts, including ESPN, CBS Sports, and USA Today all had Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick before Monday night.

Fudd was the 2025 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player, but wasn’t as dominant in 2026. The Wings needed guard depth and shooting – Fudd checks both of those boxes. The Wings bolstered their frontcourt in free agency, giving themselves the flexibility to take a flier on a high upside player with the No. 1 overall selection.

Again – strictly on the court – there’s no denying that Bueckers and Fudd have chemistry. They won the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship together at UConn.

Off the court, it’ll benefit both No. 1 overall selections to have their significant others for support. Bueckers is still just 24 years old. Fudd is only 23. Navigating a high-profile career in the WNBA while focusing on player development could be difficult for any young person. But being able to experience that transition from college hoops into professional basketball stardom with a significant other would be helpful to anybody.

Instead of throwing stones towards this situation, casual WNBA fans need to zoom out a bit. The Wings are rebuilding their entire roster around Bueckers. Forget that she’s dating Fudd. They landed her very talented former teammate who is known to show up in big moments defensively and from behind the perimeter.