Wings’ Azzi Fudd ends rookie season with knee surgery

Dallas Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd will conclude her inaugural WNBA season prematurely following a decision to undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right knee. This development comes after the 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick experienced persistent knee soreness that sidelined her during the final five games of the season.

Fudd’s knee issue first became notably concerning after she participated in pregame warmups on August 7 before a home contest against the Golden State team but was subsequently held out of that match as a precautionary step. Despite efforts to manage the discomfort, her condition did not improve, prompting the Wings to announce the upcoming surgical procedure scheduled for next week in Connecticut — the same state where Fudd made a significant impact playing collegiate basketball at UConn.

As a standout at the University of Connecticut, Fudd followed in the footsteps of Paige Bueckers, the 2022 WNBA Rookie of the Year and the previous year’s top draft selection also acquired by Dallas. Both players were instrumental in securing UConn’s 2025 national championship, illustrating the Wings’ successful strategy of drafting talent from the Huskies’ program.

Fudd’s transition to the professional ranks began cautiously; she initially came off the bench during her first six games. However, a breakout performance scoring 24 points in her sixth appearance solidified her spot as a starter. Her rookie campaign featured a season-high 26-point outing in a June victory over Seattle, and she maintained an average of 13.1 points across 30 games before the knee issues curtailed her season.

The Wings have experienced mixed results this year, with a six-game winning streak marking the longest such run since relocating to Texas a decade ago. Following that streak, their performance has dipped, posting a 3-8 record. Despite these setbacks and Fudd’s absence, the team remains positioned to contend for a playoff berth, aiming to clinch their first postseason appearance since 2023.

Looking ahead, the Wings prepare for a notable home game against the Indiana Fever, featuring star guard Caitlin Clark, at the arena shared with the Dallas Mavericks. The contest represents a critical juncture for Dallas as they seek to regain momentum amid roster adjustments.

While detailed information about the surgical procedure and recovery timeline has not been extensively disclosed, the Wings’ announcement underscores the importance of prioritizing Fudd’s long-term health and development. The rookie’s promising start and scoring ability had quickly made her a valuable contributor in Dallas’ backcourt.

Azzi Fudd’s season-ending surgery marks a significant moment in her nascent professional career. The Wings and their fans will look forward to her rehabilitation and eventual return, hopeful that she can regain full strength and continue to build on her early achievements in the league.