The Dallas Wings pulled off a thrilling 107-104 victory over the Indiana Fever on Saturday, showcasing a showdown between the WNBA's last four No. 1 overall picks. While all eyes were on Fever guard Caitlin Clark's highly anticipated return—after missing most of last season with lower-body injuries—another storyline quietly emerged: this year's top pick, Azzi Fudd, coming off the bench.

Fudd, the standout guard from the University of Connecticut, logged 18 minutes in her debut but managed just three points, one rebound, and one steal—a modest stat line that left fans wondering when she'd crack the starting lineup. On Monday, Wings head coach Jose Fernandez was asked if he's eager to see Fudd take that next step. His answer might surprise you.

"I don't think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is … When it does happen, I think she'll be ready," Fernandez said, via Wings reporter Drake Keeler. He added that it's on him to get Fudd more involved offensively during her minutes on the floor. "The other thing, when she gets in and she's a shooter, I gotta get her more involved, get her some looks, but you got to give other teams credit too. Other teams prepare for really good players."

Fudd's arrival in Dallas raised questions even before the draft, given the Wings' already loaded backcourt. Her debut only amplified those concerns, but Fernandez's patient approach suggests a long-term vision. Expect Fudd to find her rhythm as the season progresses—and when she does, keeping her off the starting five will be a challenge no coach can ignore.