The WNBA season tipped off with a historic—but not exactly encouraging—moment for the Dallas Wings and their No. 1 overall pick, Azzi Fudd. The former UConn sharpshooter made her professional debut on Saturday, but her stat line left fans wanting more. In 18 minutes off the bench, Fudd scored just three points, setting a new record for the fewest points ever by a No. 1 pick in a WNBA debut.

Let's put that in perspective. The previous low belonged to Kelsey Plum, who scored four points in her 2017 debut with the San Antonio Stars. Plum, of course, went on to become a four-time All-Star and an All-WNBA First Team selection in 2022. So while Fudd's start is underwhelming, there's plenty of reason to believe this is just a bump in the road.

The 2026 draft class was widely considered less top-heavy than recent years, which featured generational talents like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Aliyah Boston. Still, the Wings saw enough in Fudd to take her first overall. Her debut, however, came against a deep Fever backcourt, and Wings head coach Jose Fernandez opted to lean on his veteran guards.

Speaking after the game, Fernandez was measured in his assessment. "Keep doing what she's doing—it's her first year in the league," he said. "We've got five really talented backcourt players." He listed Paige Bueckers, Arike Ogunbowale, Odyssey Sims, Azzi Fudd, and Aziaha James as the core group competing for minutes.

For now, Fudd's role is that of a developing reserve on a team loaded with guard talent. The good news? Plum's early struggles didn't define her career, and neither should Fudd's quiet debut. If her college pedigree is any guide, the points—and the highlights—will come.