Former WNBA All-Star makes it clear who Paige Bueckers’ Wings should take in the 2026 draft originally appeared on Sports news. Add The Sporting News as Favorite source by clicking here.
THE Dallas Wings On Sunday, he won the right to pick first in the 2026 WNBA Draft — which comes with a caveat.
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The 2026 draft class is loaded. Most analysts agree on this point. There is a wave of top prospects jostling for position at the top of team selection committees, including Lauren Betts, Awa Fam, Azzi Fudd and Olivia Miles.
But no player has yet separated from the pack.
Granted, the draft won’t take place until April 13, giving these talented NCAA players time to hone their skills and make a case to WNBA executives with their play. However, a former No. 1 overall pick, aware of what teams are looking for at the top of the draft, believes the Wings shouldn’t overthink this pick.
Chiney Ogwumike is clear: Azzi Fudd should be first choice
On Wednesday’s edition of NBA Today, two-time WNBA All-Star Chiney Ogwumike – the older sister of WNBA President Nneka Ogwumike – encouraged Dallas to “take their shot” and draft UConn guard Azzi Fudd with the first overall pick.
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“I wouldn’t be surprised if Azzi Fudd was the number one pick,” Ogwumike said. “She’s someone who’s leading them in scoring so far and has had multiple games with multiple threes. So she’s a shooter, and that’s good.”
Indeed, she is a shooter. Fudd is arguably the best in the country at this. With his classic jump shot, Fudd averages 21.0 points per game for the No. 1-ranked Huskies and shoots a blistering 54.8 percent from 3-point range.
It’s not easy to find snipers. Knowing that Fudd already has excellent chemistry on the field… and turned off — with Wings star Paige Bueckers out, Wings general manager Curt Miller might already have secretly made a decision on what he wants to do with the No. 1 overall pick.
