Azzi to Dallas Wings???

[The CDR-Ret]

A number of pundits have suggested that there is no clear #1 pick in this year’s draft as there was in each of the past 3 years: Boston, Clark & Paige. IMO Fam is a clear #1 pick. But her youth, the “hit or miss” history of overseas players in the W as well as questions about their long term commitment to the W have led pundits to suggest there is no clear #1 pick.

If Fam were an American college grad with her current skill set at age 22, she would absolutely be the clear #1 pick.

There is 4.5 months to go, and plenty of evidence to analyze to the point of "picking the fly poop out of the pepper." 😎 😍 😎

When UConn hoists the 13th NC trophy at the end of the year on April 5th, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, AZ, Azzi will be the #1 choice for Dallas - as they will not be able to help themselves more. Believe this "coin:" 'Azzi in AZ'

You read it here first.

Go Huskies!!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

The WNBA is full of false reporting on channels on the internet. One today is reporting Dallas traded the #1 pick for Angel Reese. Given Dallas management's recent track record that is not beyond the realm of credibility! I've said a prayer over this one.

 

[hookshot]

Azzi is a very good player but she isn't worthy of a top pick in the WNBA. If you want to compete at that level you need a quality post player and that is exactly what Dallas will pick. If a team with a post had won the first pick then by all means I would take a player like Azzi.

Betts is a somewhat mediocre Post by WNBA standards. WIll go with Azzi or surprise a bit with safe Fam , but not risk fan disappointment with Betts as a non-starter or ineffective starter. Azzi would never disappoint even as non-starter⁸n

 

[msf22b]

I.like.the.idea.of.picking.Azzi.and.procurring.Tina.
(periods.subbing.for.space.bar)

 

[Dugway]

I personally think that it all is dependent upon the timeline for the resolution of the CBA and how free agency works out. It has the potential to be a huge game of musical chairs.

I am 100% onboard with Post 14 of this thread; if you were the LV Aces and you had the first pick, would you select a Center? No, assuming you still had Wilson you would not.

But what if Wilson were to leave them via free agency prior to the draft? What if she were to leave and join the Dallas franchise; would the Wings then want to draft a Center as the first pick?

Perhaps at the conclusion of the CBA all of the players will just resign with their old team. But until that occurs, there is a potential that 2/3rds of the players are moving and that would dictate the draft picks.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Based on yesterday's game, Lauren Betts would be lucky to go 4th in the draft.

 

[Bald Husky]

Okay, only 5 months away from the WNBA draft (if there is one). Azzi, Betts, Fam, and Miles are the top contenders. This is a draft where all the first 4 teams will get a quality player. Now, for Dallas, forget about Betts. After watching her against Texas, she is not a good prospect for the #1 pick. She is immobile, and a lot of her shots will be blocked by the athletic Bigs. Azzi, well, could be because of her shooting and working relationship with Paige last year.
Fam is 19 years old, many experts say she is the real deal but not right off the bat. She is seen as a player with a huge upside but it might take her some time to really make an impact. I think they will take her anyway because of the coaches relationship and knowledge of the European players. Last year all but 2 on the South Florida roster were from this country. Miles could be a unique choice, moving Paige over to the 2. The decision will not be made until the free agent draft and free agent movement, so hopefully Dallas can get a really good quality veteran player. At this point, they will learn if they still need a Big or a shooting guard. So, for the next 5 months everything is speculation. This is certainly going to get tiring. LOL

 

[mainerhuski]

I think that would be bad for Dallas. They were very weak in the post and Awa Fam is a 6'4" athletic future star who is only 19. She is a much better pick. I think Azzi will go 4th or so. This is one of the better snips of an analysis of her from a Dallas Mavericks community analyst:

In addition to the shooting, Fudd plays hard and always knows where to be. She’s an incredible cutter and relocator, and she’s good at finding teammates when the defense zeroes in on her. Her high basketball IQ and floor game make her a plus offensive player in any system.

The issue with Fudd is that she cannot break down the defense off the bounce whatsoever. She cannot create her own shot outside of attacking closeouts. She does not get to the rim or free-throw line. Fudd’s mediocre athleticism and footspeed prevent her from doing these things, and improvement in these areas looks unlikely. And that’s okay! Fudd’s shooting and ancillary skills mitigate those self-creation concerns.

Once labeled a bad defender, Fudd has made great strides on that end. She competes hard, and her 5’11” frame helps her hold her own across the perimeter. Fudd doesn’t get lost off-ball, she’s good at executing scheme, and she communicates. That said, the lack of athleticism will hold her back at the next level. Fudd won’t be a bad defender, but it’s hard to envision her ever being a plus one.

To me that is totally objective and as much as we love and value Azzi, I think the upside is higher for Fam, Miles, and Flau'jae. I think it would be a mistake for Dallas to take Azzi over Awa.

I ❤️ Azzi, but Fam may be the best fit for Dallas in ‘26.

 

[Gael]

Based on yesterday's game, Lauren Betts would be lucky to go 4th in the draft.

In the first three quarters of tonight's game against Duke, UCLA is arguably playing better without Betts, who is sitting out with an injury. A fluid, balanced offense and tight defense.

Betts is not particularly mobile, nor is she a particularly threatening shooter or driver from outside the bottom paint. I've never seen Fam, so I have no opinion of her. However, if she's mobile, more than a one level scorer and can produce points, Dallas should consider her. Dallas needs point production.

Dallas doesn't need Miles' significant point guard skills, given they have Paige. Azzi can produce points, so if Ogunbuwale departs, Azzi would be a more reasonable pick than Miles as a shooting threat.

Ergo, Fam vs. Azzi for Dallas at #1, depending on how Curt Miller evaluates first-string Wings things.

 

[bballnut90]

It’s a weird draft in that all of the potential #1 picks either don’t really fit or have some major red flags:

Betts-struggling to produce against quality bigs and question of athleticism. I know it’s one game but she was awful vs Texas.

Miles-injury history, Dallas doesn’t need a PG with Paige there.

Fudd-one of the most injury prone players over her career

Fam-young and relatively raw. Foreigners usually come with question marks since they consistently miss seasons

 

[BobbyJ]

In the first three quarters of tonight's game against Duke, UCLA is arguably playing better without Betts, who is sitting out with an injury. A fluid, balanced offense and tight defense.

Betts is not particularly mobile, nor is she a particularly threatening shooter or driver from outside the bottom paint. I've never seen Fam, so I have no opinion of her. However, if she's mobile, more than a one level scorer and can produce points, Dallas should consider her. Dallas needs point production.

Dallas doesn't need Miles' significant point guard skills, given they have Paige. Azzi can produce points, so if Ogunbuwale departs, Azzi would be a more reasonable pick than Miles as a shooting threat.

Ergo, Fam vs. Azzi for Dallas at #1, depending on how Curt Miller evaluates first-string Wings things.

 

[ConnMotors]

At what number was Seattle’s Malonga drafted? She at 6’6” had a very nice year this past season.

 

[oldhusky]

Whoever Dallas wants to take, it seems like one advantage they have when considering FA's is they could tell them who they intend to take, assuming they sign that targeted FA. For example if going for a 4 or 5 in free agency, they can give the potential free agent a better idea of the team's potential by saying we have Paige at the point and Maddie at the 3, and will add Azzi at the 2, plus you for a nucleus of 4 going forward etc.

If instead they pursue a top SG in free agency they can say you and Paige in the backcourt, Maddie at the 3, and we are going to add Fam or Betts upfront. At least give the potential signee a good 4 player projection that suggests they could pretty good pretty soon.

I actually think we could see some major pairings in free agency where two or three top players collectively decide to go to one team with a couple of very good players still under rookie contracts, with soom team jumping from nobody to instant contender in one year, or visa versa. It is about as close to a clean sheet of paper when planning a contender as it ever has been, with free agency, the expansion draft, and the regular draft, collectively meaning more to a team's future than what they are actually returning under contract.

 

[oldude]

At what number was Seattle’s Malonga drafted? She at 6’6” had a very nice year this past season.

2, and Fam is arguably a more complete player.

 

[oldude]

Whoever Dallas wants to take, it seems like one advantage they have when considering FA's is they could tell them who they intend to take, assuming they sign that targeted FA. For example if going for a 4 or 5 in free agency, they can give the potential free agent a better idea of the team's potential by saying we have Paige at the point and Maddie at the 3, and will add Azzi at the 2, plus you for a nucleus of 4 going forward etc.

If instead they pursue a top SG in free agency they can say you and Paige in the backcourt, Maddie at the 3, and we are going to add Fam or Betts upfront. At least give the potential signee a good 4 player projection that suggests they could pretty good pretty soon.

I actually think we could see some major pairings in free agency where two or three top players collectively decide to go to one team with a couple of very good players still under rookie contracts, with soom team jumping from nobody to instant contender in one year, or visa versa. It is about as close to a clean sheet of paper when planning a contender as it ever has been, with free agency, the expansion draft, and the regular draft, collectively meaning more to a team's future than what they are actually returning under contract.

I think Paige all by herself is a pretty good inducement for any free agent to come to Dallas. But I do agree with your argument that projecting a lineup to a prospective free agent has great value.

 

[Cuango]

I.like.the.idea.of.picking.Azzi.and.procurring.Tina.
(periods.subbing.for.space.bar)

Tina is at the end of her career. She might not even play and if she does, it will be for one, maybe two years only. Now, if they were to draft Fam or Betts, it might be good to sign Tina as a sort of on court mentor/teacher.

 

[cancontent]

Whoever Dallas wants to take, it seems like one advantage they have when considering FA's is they could tell them who they intend to take, assuming they sign that targeted FA. For example if going for a 4 or 5 in free agency, they can give the potential free agent a better idea of the team's potential by saying we have Paige at the point and Maddie at the 3, and will add Azzi at the 2, plus you for a nucleus of 4 going forward etc.

If instead they pursue a top SG in free agency they can say you and Paige in the backcourt, Maddie at the 3, and we are going to add Fam or Betts upfront. At least give the potential signee a good 4 player projection that suggests they could pretty good pretty soon.

I actually think we could see some major pairings in free agency where two or three top players collectively decide to go to one team with a couple of very good players still under rookie contracts, with soom team jumping from nobody to instant contender in one year, or visa versa. It is about as close to a clean sheet of paper when planning a contender as it ever has been, with free agency, the expansion draft, and the regular draft, collectively meaning more to a team's future than what they are actually returning under contract.

Pasting this to piggyback on your point about being an attractive landing spot to free agents.

 

[Dugway]

Pasting this to piggyback on your point about being an attractive landing spot to free agents.

Only a few years ago, the NY Liberty were able to create a Championship team out of free agents that all wanted to sign up to play with Ionescu. It not only is feasible, but in my opinion probable that the same will occur with Bueckers.

 

[darkstar1]

?
Arike is currently a free agent.

Thanks. I hope she moves to another team.

 

[oldude]

Thanks. I hope she moves to another team.

If the Wings don’t attempt to re-sign her, and I don’t think they will, she has no choice than to look elsewhere.

 

[WBBZen]

Curt Miller was at the UConn USF game with Jose, and the Dallas Wings posted about Jose being honored at the game. Wings are not slick at all imo, they know what they are doing 😄

 

[DEpup]

I agree now. I think Dallas needs a ready made big so they'll need to buy that player which would allow them to take Azzi first in the draft and sure up their middle. I still personally would like to see Azzi with the Lynx but the writing is on the wall.

 

[Dugway]

I agree now. I think Dallas needs a ready made big so they'll need to buy that player which would allow them to take Azzi first in the draft and sure up their middle. I still personally would like to see Azzi with the Lynx but the writing is on the wall.

I’d like to see Azzi with the Wings, but with that, would also like to see Phee join her in the Big D. Obviously, all Minnesota fans are saying ‘No way, Jose’ to that idea, but I would love to see it!

 

[hookshot]

Very well could be Azzi if she meets the needs of the team. If they need a big, will they sacrifice that to reunite Paige and Azzi?

Yes. Never pass on a shooter. Lots of free agent bigs available

 

[MilfordHusky]

Yes. Never pass on a shooter. Lots of free agent bigs available

Never pass on an historic (Curry type) shooter.

 

[oldhusky]

If the Wings don’t attempt to re-sign her, and I don’t think they will, she has no choice than to look elsewhere.

Arike may be in for a rude awakening. Her style and talents are only a good fit in certain situations. IMO she doesn't deserve a max contract from any team, shouldn't be a starter on any serious contender, and would have the most value as a Vinny Johnson like scorer off the bench getting a salary that might be roughly between the minimum and the maximum.

Dallas should only consider her if she was willing to come off the bench and be paid a modest salary. Otherwise I don't think they even have anything to talk about. The combination with Paige was a failure, not for Paige but for Arike. Her scoring stats took a big hit and you know Paige was passing her the ball.

In her defense, I think Arike tried to blend in and play more of a team role, it's just not her strength, and probably never will be. When it comes to clearing out for her to go one on one near the end of the shot clock or a quarter to get a passable but not great percentage shot, she is one of the best.

But how many good teams want to make that a frequently featured part of their offense? It will be interesting to see where she winds up, and how much salary she can command.

 

[rt bb fan]

Dallas mostly needs an athletic Big who can play. They can sign a veteran free agent like Tina Charles or use their #1 pick to select Awa Fam, a 19 year old with an enormous upside. They need to address that issue first, something that both Curt Miller and Jose Fernandez will know.

If they take care of the Big via the free agent route, and allow Arike to walk, then bringing in a shooting guard like Azzi via the draft makes sense.

Tina Charles is past her prime and is not what Dallas needs in a center.

 

[Crossover]

Only a few years ago, the NY Liberty were able to create a Championship team out of free agents that all wanted to sign up to play with Ionescu. It not only is feasible, but in my opinion probable that the same will occur with Bueckers.

I think there were a few other things about New York that were attractive to Stewie and Jonquel.

 

[oldude]

Tina Charles is past her prime and is not what Dallas needs in a center.

Tina averaged 16 ppg & 6 rebounds per game this past season, while playing almost 30 mpg. That places her among the leading centers in the W. She is hardly past her prime.

Curt Miller will evaluate all his options. At this point in time, drafting Awa Fam with the #1 pick probably makes the most sense. But if somebody wants to offer Dallas a boatload of draft picks for the #1 pick, then signing a veteran post is a must, and Charles will certainly be a possibility

 

[fang]

It will be interesting to see if Dallas protects Arike in the expansion draft. No chance for Lou to be protected.

Either Fam or Azzi will likely be #1. Both work for Dallas. Azzi could help with their 3pt shooting. Despite having the ultra-accurate Paige, Dallas had the second worst percentage last year.

Then Minn. is happy to take whoever Dallas passes on. Azzi can be McBride's replacement, while Fam would ensure Phee does not get stuck guarding bigs.