Wings’ Azzi Fudd gets bad news about joining Dallas’ starting lineup

Azzi Fudd probably isn't going to be starting for the Dallas Wings any time soon.

Fudd's inauspicious WNBA debut caught many by surprise, as the no.1 overall draft pick came off the bench and scored only three points in 18 minutes against the Indiana Fever. The Wings won, 107-104, but Fudd attempted just two shots and no top overall pick ever has scored fewer points in her debut.

MORE: Azzi Fudd’s quiet WNBA debut won’t change the bigger picture for Dallas

While head coach Jose Fernandez isn't fazed by Fudd's slow start, he is not ready to commit to starting the former UConn star against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night.

"Is she capable of (starting)? Yes, she is," first-year coach Fernandez told the media on Monday. "When it does happen, I think she'll be ready."

Refusing to put a timeline on Fudd's first WNBA start could be considered a good thing for her development. In the Wings' deep backcourt -- highlighted by Paige Bueckers and Arike Ogunbowale -- Fudd won't face as much pressure to contribute immediately, and Dallas will take the long view in developing her.

Fernandez also admitted he has to scheme differently for Fudd when she's on the floor.

"I gotta get her more involved, get her some looks, but you got to give other teams credit too," he said Monday. "Other teams prepare for really good players.”

But it's clear to the Wings' coaching staff that Fudd -- regarded as an elite, if not generational, shooting prospect -- just isn't ready yet. That stance will lend itself to more questions about Dallas' process in landing on Fudd as the top pick last month.

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