The 2026 WNBA season kicked off with a bang as the Dallas Wings edged out the Indiana Fever 107-104 in a thrilling regular-season opener. But while the scoreboard told a story of clutch plays and team grit, the real buzz after the game centered on one player who didn't even start: rookie sensation Azzi Fudd.

Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, came off the bench in her professional debut, logging 18 minutes but finishing with just three points and one rebound. It was the fewest points ever scored by a top pick in a debut, sparking immediate questions about her role and readiness. Yet, head coach Jose Fernandez made it clear that the team's long-term vision for Fudd remains unchanged.

"I don't think about it that way. Is she capable of doing that? Yes, she is," Fernandez said when asked about Fudd's starting potential. "When it does happen, I think she'll be ready."

The decision to keep Fudd out of the starting lineup surprised many fans, especially those who envisioned her instantly pairing with former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers to form a dynamic backcourt. But Fernandez explained that the team is taking a measured approach to develop their young star, emphasizing that opponents are already game-planning for her.

"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," Fernandez added, acknowledging that Dallas needs to do a better job of creating scoring chances for Fudd once she enters the game.

Despite the quiet debut, Fernandez remains steadfast in his belief that Fudd's time will come. For now, the Wings are focused on building her confidence and integrating her into the system at a pace that sets her up for sustained success. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on how quickly this rookie adapts—and when she finally earns that starting spot.