archiveJose Fernandez

DHJ Quick Take: The Azzi Fudd Blueprint The "Crystal Clear" Choice: Curt Miller was incredibly transparent—while Azzi Fudd was always the target, the success in signing Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard in free agency made the decision "crystal clear." By building a wall of veteran size first, Dallas ensured Fudd...

DHJ Quick Take: Azzi Fudd Embraces the Dallas Wings The "We-Over-Me" Mentality: Azzi Fudd’s comments on her "team mentality" aren't just draft-night rhetoric. Her 97th-percentile spot-up efficiency (1.210 PPP) is the ultimate selfless skill; she creates gravity for Arike Ogunbowale and Paige Bueckers simply by standing on the perimeter, forcing...

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: The Scramble Effect Downstream Gravity: Andraya Carter’s most compelling point is that Azzi Fudd’s value isn't just in the shots she makes, but the driving lanes she creates. By forcing defenders to stay home on the perimeter, she prevents help-side defense from collapsing on Paige Bueckers or...

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 Hall of Fame Stamp Beyond the Arc: Rebecca Lobo is challenging the "specialist" label often attached to Azzi Fudd. By highlighting her mid-range game and a defensive rating (72.4) that ranked 15th nationally, Lobo is signaling to Curt Miller that Fudd is a high-floor, two-way starter...

DHJ Quick Take: The Blueprint of Success The Bueckers Endorsement: While Paige Bueckers kept her comments measured at the USA Basketball mini-camp, her focus on their "great success" and "national championship" together at UConn is a powerful signal. She isn't just talking about a friend; she’s talking about a winning...

DHJ Quick Take: Choosing a Direction The Case for Fudd: If Dallas wants to fix their league-worst three-point volume immediately, Azzi Fudd is the answer. Her 44.5% clip from deep and "championship DNA" with Paige Bueckers at UConn offers a seamless offensive fit that maximizes the gravity of Arike Ogunbowale....

DHJ Quick Take: Depth and Development The Return of Okonkwo: Amy Okonkwo was a revelation in her 8-game stint last season, averaging 11.0 points and proving she can score at the WNBA level. Her recent dominance with Nigeria and Beşiktaş makes her a frontrunner for one of the final roster...