Azzi to Dallas Wings???

[hoophuskee]

I'd ask Paige who she wants. You want her in Dallas for her whole career if you are Dallas mgmt unless you think Fam is incredible.
Secondly I don't believe Betts is going to be that good.
Third imo Azzi is just flat out better than Miles.
Fourth, imo it's a huge mistake to go after a player that fills a need vs taking the best player you can when you have the 1st pick.

So it comes down to Paige along with how great is Fam expected to be (and the concern as a poster pointed out how committed is she to the WNBA) vs the concern of Azzi's health. Dallas isn't winning a title this year. IN FA you can get bigs this season and next in fa or trades. The attraction for bigs to eventually come to Dalllas would be to play with someone like Paige.

 

[oldude]

Some more food for thought. I just took a look at Fam’s Euroleague stats. Early in the season she’s shooting 80% from the arc (4/5). 🤩 But don’t get too excited. She’s shooting only 50% (4/8) from the FT line. 🤯

Maybe she should step back to the 3-pt line to shoot her FT’s…… 😉

 

[Cuango]

I am not a Wings follower , not many games to watch of THE Paige but, team need size, got killed on the boards from what I understand. Betts of UCLA

I predict they will take Fam. She is a sleek, fast sports car to go along with the Ferrari (Paige) they already have. Betts is more of a big landrover, solid, durable, and reliable. She would do well with Paige simply because she’s a good player but she would not mesh like Fam (or Azzi for that matter) who is built to run like Paige! Truth is, Paige will make it work either way but imo, Fam is the better choice.

 

[oldude]

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.

 

[WBBZen]

My concerns about Fam are that she isn't much of a rim protector at the moment. She isn't blocking shots and her rebounding just okay for a big. She screens well, great in the PNR, excellent passer and has a good touch around the basket. There is speculation that she will need to move to the 4 spot instead of the 5.

Dallas is also in a win now situation - not championship winning - but they have to make the playoffs this coming season or it will be a failure. Do they have the patience to develop a 19 yo? You know what you're gonna get with Azzi, and the back court chemistry is there with Paige. Literal plug and play.

I truly think Dallas could go either way, and definitely believe it's Awa or Azzi for Dallas at this point, and will probably depend on what happens with the expansion draft and free agency.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Azzi will likely go top four to (in draft order) Dallas, Minnesota, Seattle or Washington.

It's hard right now to look at it from the perspective of where Azzi would fit best, because the state of free agency is such that no one has any idea who will be on what teams.

So, perhaps look at it from the perspective of which of those four teams/cities/coaches would Azzi prefer. I have no idea. Washington would be close to her family home. The Wings/Shock have been a dumpster fire team for a very long time, having the most WNBA losses over the past 15 years. Minnesota has the most successful pro coach and the most lakes. Seattle has the best views and the most rainy days.

Azzi's/Katie's family is from Minnesota.

 

[WBBZen]

Azzi will likely go top four to (in draft order) Dallas, Minnesota, Seattle or Washington.

It's hard right now to look at it from the perspective of where Azzi would fit best, because the state of free agency is such that no one has any idea who will be on what teams.

So, perhaps look at it from the perspective of which of those four teams/cities/coaches would Azzi prefer. I have no idea. Washington would be close to her family home. The Wings/Shock have been a dumpster fire team for a very long time, having the most WNBA losses over the past 15 years. Minnesota has the most successful pro coach and the most lakes. Seattle has the best views and the most rainy days.

Azzi doesn't really get a choice in the matter, so there's no point in wondering which team she would prefer 😄 As an elite guard and 3pt shooter, Azzi can easily slot into any of the top teams in the lottery though even if it was the Lynx who currently have KMac. I don't think Azzi falls past #3, however.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Azzi doesn't really get a choice in the matter, so there's no point in wondering which team she would prefer 😄 As an elite guard and 3pt shooter, Azzi can easily slot into any of the top teams in the lottery though even if it was the Lynx who currently have KMac. I don't think Azzi falls past #3, however.

KMac is 10.5 years older than Azzi. She's still really good, though.

Cheryl likes UConn players.

 

[AmeriConn]

I think Jose Fernandez will be torn between Azzi and Awa Fam from Spain.

 

[Urshurak]

Fam will be going to the Dallas Wings. The news media loves the Paige / Azzi thing, but not likely to happen.

 

[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.