DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd Shootaround Update
- Positive Momentum: Azzi Fudd successfully participated in Thursday’s shootaround at College Park Center. While officially listed as questionable, her progression from Wednesday’s walkthrough to today’s full-speed reps are the main available indicators for tonight against Minnesota.
- Medical Caution: Jose Fernandez emphasized that the availability decision lies with the medical staff. He framed Tuesday’s absence as a move made out of an “abundance of caution” for Fudd’s long-term health following a deep collegiate postseason run.
- Draft Context: Fernandez reaffirmed that the Wings’ staff had “no concerns whatsoever” regarding Fudd’s knee during the pre-draft process. The organization views this strictly as managing a long professional season.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd went through the team’s shootaround at College Park Center on Thursday, putting her on track for a possible return when the Wings host the Minnesota Lynx in the second game of a three-game homestand. Fudd is listed as questionable with a right knee injury on the team’s official Thursday injury report.
Fudd participated in the Wings’ walkthrough at practice Wednesday and got shots up at College Park Center. That activity followed an unexpected downgrade from probable to out for Tuesday’s 77-72 home opener loss to the Atlanta Dream. Head coach Jose Fernandez said her status for Thursday would depend on how she responded to shootaround and the team’s medical evaluation.
“She walked through today, and she shot. So we’ll see how tonight goes and how she gets through shootaround, and then see how she feels and what our medical staff says. So we’ll see,” Fernandez told Dallas Hoops Journal.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft made her professional debut Saturday in the Wings’ 107-104 road win over the Indiana Fever, scoring 3 points on her first WNBA 3-pointer in 18 minutes off the bench. The former UConn guard joined Dallas as one of the franchise’s headline additions alongside reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.
Timeline of Downgrade for Atlanta Home Opener
Fudd had been listed as probable on the Wings’ game status report ahead of Tuesday’s home opener before being downgraded to out hours before tip-off. Head coach Jose Fernandez addressed the decision at his pregame media availability and framed the absence as a precautionary move rather than a response to anything specific.
“In the opening night, out of an abundance of caution and her long-term health, we’re keeping her out tonight,” Fernandez said before Tuesday’s game.
Fernandez declined to discuss specifics on Fudd’s medical status, what she had or had not done in practice, or a timetable for her return.
“I’m not going to discuss anything medically in regards to her or what she has done in practice, what she hasn’t done in practice,” Fernandez said. “She’s a big part of this team. There’s a reason why we drafted her number one, and she’s going to have a great season for the Wings.”
Pressed on whether Fudd playing 18 minutes in the Wings’ Indiana opener were tied to the same issue, Fernandez again declined to provide specifics.
“I’m not going to get into the minute situation,” Fernandez said.
Fernandez also acknowledged the boundaries of what he was willing to share publicly about the situation.
“I’ve been doing this a very, very long time. And I’ve been very, very good with media. What I’m willing to share and what you guys want me to share might be totally different. And what I can share and what I can’t share is totally different as well,” Fernandez said.
No Knee Concerns Entering 2026 WNBA Draft
Additionally, Fernandez shared that he had a constructive phone call with Fudd on Tuesday afternoon before arriving at College Park Center. He framed the decision to hold her out as part of a broader effort to manage Fudd’s long-term health.
“She was great. I was on my way here and we had a very good phone call. The most important thing for her, like I said, it’s a long season. She just finished playing a long season, right? And we have to put her in the best position to be successful,” Fernandez said.
Regarding long-term implications, Fernandez noted that the organization’s front office, strength and conditioning, and sports medicine staffs held no concerns regarding Fudd’s knee during the 2026 WNBA Draft process. Dallas ultimately used the No. 1 overall pick to select Fudd out of UConn following her national championship run, a decision reached after the team’s medical personnel completed their full due diligence.
“I’m sure the front office and strength and conditioning and sports medicine and everybody does their due diligence, right? But there weren’t any concerns whatsoever,” Fernandez said.
What’s Next
The Wings (1-1) host the Lynx at 7 p.m. CT on Prime in the second game of a three-game homestand at College Park Center. Minnesota enters the matchup at 1-1 following a victory in Phoenix, led a perimeter that includes Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams, along with rookie Olivia Miles, as Napheesa Collier remains sidelined due to injury.
More Wings Coverage on Dallas Hoops Journal
- Azzi Fudd Listed As Questionable For Dallas Wings vs. Minnesota Lynx After Wednesday Walkthrough
- Dallas Wings vs. Atlanta Dream Postgame Interviews: Arike Ogunbowale, Awak Kuier & Jose Fernandez (May 12, 2026)
- Dallas Wings Fall 77-72 To Atlanta Dream In Home Opener As Rebounding And Cold Shooting Sink Comeback Bid
- Dallas Wings’ Azzi Fudd Out vs. Atlanta Dream ‘Out Of An Abundance Of Caution,’ Jose Fernandez Says
- ‘Championship Standard’: Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream Detail Matchup In Sold-Out Home Opener
- Jose Fernandez On Azzi Fudd’s Path To Starting Role: ‘When That Happens, I Think She’ll Be Ready’
- Bueckers, Ogunbowale, Sims Each Score 20 As Wings Edge Fever 107-104 In Season Opener
