Dallas Wings Shut Down Questions About Azzi Fudd-Paige Bueckers Relationship at Draft Press Conference
Media Control - The Dallas Wings quickly intervened when questions about the personal relationship between No. 1 draft pick Azzi Fudd and teammate Paige Bueckers arose during Thursday's introductory press conference, highlighting the franchise's focus on basketball amid their rebuilding efforts.
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Azzi Fudd who was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The Dallas Wings made their priorities crystal clear during Azzi Fudd’s introductory press conference as the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft. When questions shifted from basketball to the personal relationship between Fudd and teammate Paige Bueckers, who went public about their relationship in 2025, the organization quickly shut down the inquiry.
« Understand why you have to ask that question, » a Wings public relations staffer interrupted. « We’re going to respectfully decline from commenting on our players’ personal lives. » The intervention came as Fudd was asked about navigating her relationship with Bueckers as professional players and seeking advice from other WNBA couples.
A Calculated Draft Strategy
The Wings’ media control reflects their laser focus on rebuilding after tying for the league’s worst record last season at 10-34, following a nine-win campaign in 2024. General Manager Curt Miller emphasized the deliberate process behind selecting Fudd, despite the attention surrounding her relationship with Bueckers.
« Since the moment we secured the No. 1 pick, we set out on a plan to be deliberate, thorough, with intention on evaluating where we got to ultimately in picking Azzi Fudd, » Miller said. « We traveled all over the world watching this incredible draft class, but it all came back always to Azzi. »
Miller highlighted Fudd’s impressive credentials: averaging 17.3 points on 47% shooting in her final UConn season, which ended with the Huskies’ only loss coming against South Carolina at the Final Four. The two former UConn teammates, who won a national championship together, now form Dallas’ backcourt alongside Bueckers, last year’s No. 1 pick and Rookie of the Year winner who averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 assists and 3.9 rebounds.
The Wings are betting their competitive and financial future on the chemistry between these former collegiate stars. Miller’s evaluation process revealed consistent themes about Fudd: « Words that we heard over and over again in the investigation of her was, a winner, competitor, a hard worker, obviously the skill set speaks for itself, an incredible shooter — probably one of the quickest releases in the game today, a defender with a lot of competitiveness and toughness, and, ultimately, all the intangibles that goes along with Azzi in the locker room — being unselfish, being an incredible teammate, being a high-basketball-IQ player. »
The organization’s attempt to separate personal narratives from professional performance underscores the challenge facing the franchise as they attempt to transform from league cellar-dwellers into contenders while managing intense public interest in their star players’ relationship.
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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