The 2026 regular season opener between the Dallas Wings and the Indiana Fever gave fans everything they hoped for. But despite Dallas escaping with a 107-104 win, the biggest talking point after the game surprisingly had nothing to do with who led the team to victory or who played best. Because all eyes were on rookie sensation Azzi Fudd and one simple question: why did the No. 1 overall pick come off the bench in her WNBA debut?
Ever since this franchise selected Fudd, fans imagined her instantly stepping into a starring role alongside her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers. So when the Wings announced their opening five without Fudd’s name on it, everyone was just confused. However, the good news is that head coach Jose Fernandez has finally revealed the thinking behind that decision.
“I think she took it fine. Her and I, I don’t need to go into conversations on what’s said or what happens in practice. Our players knew three days before who our starting lineup was,” Fernandez explained during his recent media availability.
Jose’s full quote on Fudd, paige, and starting lineups – trusting the process
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— M
(@pbuckets67) May 11, 2026
The coach went on to further explain how even Aziaha James and Maddy Siegrist were left out of the starting lineup despite their strong preseason performances. James averaged 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while coming off the bench in both exhibition matchups. Meanwhile, Siegrist averaged 16 points and eight rebounds while starting in both games. “It’s just a credit to the team and the makeup of our team right now and my decision to go up to Indiana and play a veteran group,” he further added.
If we are being honest, this was probably the best move right now. Instead of starting the rookie guard, coach Fernandez trusted a veteran-heavy lineup that featured Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Odyssey Sims, Jessica Shepard, and Alanna Smith.
While the decision to start Sims over Azzi Fudd raised many eyebrows, the veteran guard delivered 20 points and provided the exact stability Dallas needed in the high-pressure season opener. The Wings also looked far more balanced offensively with multiple ball handlers on the floor, which helped reduce the pressure on Bueckers throughout the game, and Fernandez specifically highlighted that part.
“I thought she did well – scored 20 points. Did a very good job defensively. For me, I want to save Paige’s legs down the stretch in the 4th quarter. The more I can play her off the ball, we know she’s going to get trapped at the point guard spot in so many pick and roll situations,” he added. “When (Paige Bueckers) is at the point guard spot, what the other teams do – they pick her up 94 feet and try to wear her out for 60 of it. So I mean for right now that’s our lineup, and that’s what I’m gonna go with.”
And while that veteran-first approach clearly worked in Dallas’ favor as they beat one of the league’s most talented teams, Fernandez also made one thing very clear: Fudd won’t remain stuck on the bench forever.
Fernandez remains patient with Azzi Fudd after historic WNBA debut
Even after Fudd’s quiet debut, where she finished the game with just three points and one rebound in 18 minutes, Fernandez made it clear that he still fully believes in the rookie’s long-term future with the franchise.
With that performance, the 23-year-old recorded the fewest points ever scored by a No. 1 pick in a regular-season debut. So naturally, that immediately made many wonder if getting her a starting role could take a little longer than originally expected. However, Fernandez refused to add any more fuel to the fire.
“I don’t think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is,” he said. “When it does happen, I think she’ll be ready.”
“The other thing, when she gets in, and she’s a shooter, I gotta get her more involved, get her some looks, but you got to give other teams credit too. Other teams prepare for really good players,” the Wings coach added while admitting Dallas needs to do a better job of helping Azzi Fudd find quality scoring opportunities once she enters the game.
That comment probably says everything fans need to know about how this team is approaching the development of their young star throughout this season. But as Dallas continues easing her into the rotation, another concern has now entered the conversation ahead of the Wings’ next matchup.
Trouble Brewing Already?
With one win in their bag, the Wings are all set to take on the Atlanta Dream in less than 24 hours. However, there is an unfortunate update for the fans.
Fudd has landed on the injury report. The 5-foot-11 star is currently listed as a game-time decision because of a right knee issue.
While there is currently no indication of a serious setback, this update has immediately raised concerns given Fudd’s injury history dating back to college. Still, this definitely puts even more attention on her heading into Dallas’ next game. After already drawing headlines for coming off the bench in her WNBA debut, the rookie now finds herself dealing with injury concerns just days into the regular season.
But despite the slow debut and this latest concern, the organization still fully believes Azzi Fudd can become a major piece of the franchise moving forward. Whether that breakthrough happens next game, next month, or later this season, Dallas clearly expects the No. 1 pick’s moment to come eventually.
