archiveJessica Shepard

DHJ Quick Take: The Length Revolution Intentional Size: Curt Miller’s strategy is unmistakable. Between Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Awak Kuier, and now Zee Spearman, the Wings have built a "Wall of Dallas" that stands 6-foot-4 or taller. This length is designed to insulate Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale defensively. 3x3...

DHJ Quick Take: The Elite Perimeter Vision The "A" Standard: ESPN's high mark validates the "Information Gain" strategy Curt Miller employed this offseason. By solving the frontcourt depth in free agency with Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, the Wings were able to use the No. 1 pick to draft for...

DHJ Quick Take: The End of the Spacing Crisis Solving the Volume Problem: Greg Bibb’s admission that the team "struggled shooting the ball" is an understatement. By ranking last in 3PT attempts (21.6), the Wings allowed defenses to collapse on Arike Ogunbowale. Adding Fudd—who led Division I with 117 triples—immediately...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint for Success The "Sure Bet" Profile: Curt Miller’s emphasis on "intangibles" and "basketball IQ" aligns with the consensus that Azzi Fudd is the most professional-ready prospect in the 2026 class. Her career .489/.455/.955 shooting splits provide an immediate fix for a Wings team that lacked...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint is Set The Gravity of Fudd: Azzi Fudd isn't just a draft pick; she is a tactical correction. For a Wings team that sat at the bottom of the league in 3PT volume (21.6 attempts), her 44.5% career mark from deep provides the "release valve"...

DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd's Momentum Continues Implied Certainty: At -600, FanDuel Sportsbook is giving Azzi Fudd an 85.7% implied probability of being the top pick. This late-stage movement often indicates that the "news" is already baked into the line, leaving very little room for a surprise pivot to Awa...

DHJ Quick Take: The Translator The Translation of Skill: As Chiney Ogwumike points out, shooting is the ultimate "translator" from college to the WNBA. Fudd’s 94th-percentile efficiency on guarded catch-and-shoot looks (1.21 PPP) proves she won't be neutralized by the increased length and speed of professional defenders. Needs vs. Talent:...

DHJ Quick Take: The Final Consensus The Fit Over Height: ESPN’s pivot back to Azzi Fudd mirrors the betting market’s confidence. By addressing the frontcourt in free agency with Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, the Wings have cleared the runway to draft the best shooter in the class to fix...

DHJ Quick Take: The Veteran Floor General The EuroCup Spark: Lindsay Allen arrives in North Texas in peak form, having just led CBK Mersin to a EuroCup championship. Her average of 5.7 assists in that tournament proves she remains one of the premier orchestrators in the women's game. Irish Connection:...

DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd to Dallas Wings? The UConn Reunion: By selecting Azzi Fudd, the Wings solve their biggest statistical void: three-point volume. Pairing Fudd’s 97th-percentile spot-up efficiency with Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale creates the most gravity-heavy perimeter in the WNBA. Expansion Era Begins: The Toronto Tempo and...