ESPN Projects Azzi Fudd To Dallas Wings At No. 1 In Final WNBA Mock Draft

Analysis of Fudd's Synergy Sports data and why free agency changed the pick.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:23pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a WNBA basketball game, with the vibrant colors of the Dallas Wings and Minnesota Lynx uniforms breaking down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes.The 2026 WNBA Draft promises an exciting reunion of UConn stars as the Dallas Wings select Azzi Fudd with the No. 1 overall pick.Arlington Today

ESPN's final mock draft projects Azzi Fudd to be selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. The move makes sense as the Wings addressed frontcourt needs in free agency, clearing the way to draft the best shooter in the class to fix their league-worst perimeter shooting. Fudd's elite 3-point shooting, secondary playmaking, and well-rounded game make her the ideal fit alongside Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers in Dallas.

Why it matters

The Wings' selection of Fudd at No. 1 overall would reunite the UConn trio of Ogunbowale, Bueckers, and Fudd, creating a formidable perimeter attack. Fudd's ability to space the floor and punish defenses that collapse on Dallas' other stars could be a game-changer for the Wings, who struggled mightily with 3-point shooting last season.

The details

ESPN's Michael Voepel cited the Wings' active free agency as the deciding factor in returning to Fudd as the No. 1 overall pick. By re-signing Ogunbowale and adding frontcourt pieces like Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, the Wings have addressed their interior needs, allowing them to focus on upgrading their perimeter shooting with Fudd. The UConn star's career 42.2% mark from 3-point range, elite spot-up efficiency, and secondary playmaking ability make her the ideal fit to complement Ogunbowale and Bueckers.

  • The 2026 WNBA Draft tips off tonight at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN from The Shed at Hudson Yards in New York City.

The players

Azzi Fudd

A UConn standout who is projected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings in the 2026 WNBA Draft. Fudd is an elite 3-point shooter with a quick release and strong translation to the professional game.

Arike Ogunbowale

The star guard for the Dallas Wings who was re-signed in free agency. Ogunbowale will team up with Fudd and Paige Bueckers to form a formidable perimeter trio in Dallas.

Paige Bueckers

The talented guard who will join Ogunbowale and Fudd in Dallas, creating a UConn reunion on the Wings' roster.

Alanna Smith

A frontcourt addition for the Dallas Wings in free agency, helping address the team's interior needs ahead of the draft.

Jessica Shepard

Another frontcourt signing for the Dallas Wings in free agency, further strengthening their interior depth.

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What they’re saying

“'With Fudd being an elite 3-point shooter, plus her growth as a defender, she should fit well with the Wings.'”

— Michael Voepel, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The 2026 WNBA Draft will take place tonight at 6 p.m. CT, with the Dallas Wings officially on the clock at No. 1 overall.

The takeaway

The selection of Azzi Fudd by the Dallas Wings at No. 1 overall would create a formidable perimeter trio with Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers, addressing the team's biggest weakness from last season - 3-point shooting. Fudd's elite shooting ability, secondary playmaking, and well-rounded game make her the ideal fit to complement the Wings' existing stars.