The Dallas Wings' top draft pick is already facing an early-season hurdle. Azzi Fudd, selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA draft, made her professional debut on Saturday in a thrilling 107-104 victory over the Indiana Fever. However, the highly anticipated debut didn't quite go as planned.

Fudd, surprisingly left out of the starting lineup, managed just three points in 18 minutes off the bench. Now, we have some context for the quiet start. On Monday, the WNBA downgraded Fudd from "healthy" to "questionable" on its injury report, listing her with knee issues ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Atlanta Dream.

This isn't a new concern. Fudd has dealt with knee problems dating back to her high school days and throughout her college career at UConn. The injury report update suggests those issues may be lingering as she transitions to the pro level.

Even if she's cleared to play, don't expect to see Fudd in the starting lineup anytime soon. Dallas head coach Jose Fernandez is taking a patient approach with his young star. "Is she capable of starting? Yes, she is," Fernandez told reporters on Monday. "When it does happen, I think she'll be ready."

Fernandez also acknowledged he needs to do more to get Fudd involved when she's on the court. "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."

For now, the Wings are prioritizing Fudd's long-term health and development over immediate impact. Whether she suits up on Tuesday or not, the message from Dallas is clear: they're playing the long game with their franchise cornerstone.