Can Azzi shoot 50/40/90 in the W?

[oldude]

Through the early part of the WNBA season, there is exactly one player who’s achieving the “Holy Grail” of shooting, 50/40/90. Yes, that player is Azzi Fudd who’s currently shooting 56/44/100 through 6 games played.

This past season at UConn Azzi came very close to achieving that remarkable performance for a season shooting 48/44/93. Some folks suggested that Azzi only came that close because she played most of her games in a “weak” conference. Well, now she’s playing in the best WBB league in the world.

It’s still early in the season. As WNBA teams pay ever more attention to Azzi, they will design defenses to slow her down and her shooting splits may well decline. But then again, as Azzi becomes more comfortable in the W, her shooting splits may not decline. 😎

As info, in the entire history of the W only 2 players, both forwards, have shot better than 50/40/90 for a season. EDD in 2019 and Pheesa last season both achieved that remarkable accomplishment.

 

[oldude]

By the way, Azzi’s “partner in crime” on the Wings is shooting a robust 52/48/81 through the first 7 games of the season. Maybe Paige needs to get some pointers from Azzi on her foul shooting….. 🧐

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm a huge Azzi fan, but I don't expect her to shoot 50/40/90. I think 45/40/90 is realistic.

 

[oldude]

I'm a huge Azzi fan, but I don't expect her to shoot 50/40/90. I think 45/40/90 is realistic.

When you think about the 2 players who’ve achieved the holy grail (EDD & Pheesa) they both took a lot more 2-pt shots than 3-pt shots, so the 50 overall from the floor was pretty easy for them. So far this season almost half of Azzi’s shots (23/48) are from the arc. So yes, that 50% mark overall from the floor is her biggest challenge.

 

[BBallF]

I'm a huge Azzi fan, but I don't expect her to shoot 50/40/90. I think 45/40/90 is realistic.

There is one strong point in her favor though and that is that there are 2 other very willing 3 point shooters in the offensive set that have to be guarded tight as well. Not too many teams have 3 quick, lock down defensive guards. If Azzi makes it a habit of getting open off the bounce and gets her jumper off, she can definitely flirt with that number.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Did you forget? I did. Unrivaled signing summer of 2025. It produced this Unrivaled drill today:

She's working on midrange too. Our girl is intense. The last sequence is pretty insane. The out of bounds corner drill is also pretty wacked. I don't know what she'll shoot this season, but she is going to be up there.

 

[FanSince17]

There is one strong point in her favor though and that is that there are 2 other very willing 3 point shooters in the offensive set that have to be guarded tight as well. Not too many teams have 3 quick, lock down defensive guards. If Azzi makes it a habit of getting open off the bounce and gets her jumper off, she can definitely flirt with that number.

Is one of the 3, Arike? Is your analysis before or after Jose either trades or benches her? Will that affect Azzi’s chances with attaining 50-40-90?

 

[oldude]

Is one of the 3, Arike? Is your analysis before or after Jose either trades or benches her? Will that affect Azzi’s chances with attaining 50-40-90?

I’ve come around to Arike’s value. She is a streak shooter to be sure. But on balance she’s a definite plus for the Wings. In the 1st half against the Liberty, while the Wings were struggling, Arike almost single-handedly kept Dallas in the game. In the 2nd half, Arike missed a number of makeable shots. But by that time, Azzi and Paige both got hot as Dallas pulled away.

Arike is not going anywhere. She’s a valuable and experienced member of the Wings. Now if you want to question anyone on the Dallas roster, Alaina Smith and her max contract is an absolute head scratcher, particularly as Kuier looks better and better in the post.

 

[Bigboote]

I'm a huge Azzi fan, but I don't expect her to shoot 50/40/90. I think 45/40/90 is realistic.

I’m with you. In 1977, Rod Carew was hitting 0.400 well into July. When a reporter asked him if he thought he could do it for the season, he somewhat demurred, but did say something like “All it takes is an 0-15 or 1-20 streak and it’s over.” He played through an injury and had a bad week and hit 0.388.

In a 44-game season, one or two clunkers can do you in, which is why this is so rare. She has it in her to do it, but there’s no guarantee.

 

[AidanFan20]

That drill was incredible!

btw, Azzi is looking more comfortable in the W with each and every minute she plays.

Also, I remember people in the press saying things like "she's all catch-and-shoot". THAT certainly isn't true... She is quite adept at swiping the ball away from anyone who has the ball on the side near Azzi.

And, she's quicker and faster than I remember from her time at Storrs.

 

[packwrap]

Arike is not going anywhere. She’s a valuable and experienced member of the Wings. Now if you want to question anyone on the Dallas roster, Alaina Smith and her max contract is an absolute head scratcher, particularly as Kuier looks better and better in the post.

I think we have to give Smith a bit more time. Her poor play lines up with her head injury and mask wearing. It just makes no sense for her play to drop off so much in 1 year.

Shepherd on the other hand way outperforming expectations. Who would of thunk the solution to balancing all the ball dominant guards was to have Shepherd lead team in assists?

Azzi, as many here opined, is finding her way. I think she will keep improving too. Still 50-40-90 probably a tough ask in year 1. On ROY, Miles still has the inside track simply because she is starting point on a well coached team. That gives her consistent minutes and responsibility to keep producing solid stats. She is at 15/5/5 at the moment.

Wings future: Paige 24, Azzi 23, Kuier 24 are 3 they can build around long term. All the drama about drafting Fam and Betts, while in Kuier the long term answer up front may have been hiding there all along.

With roster full of guards, they can also put clear #1 priority for '27 on continuing to upgrade the frontcourt.

Meanwhile this year, the Wings secret power will be depth. They have 5 solid guards, and 5 solid front court players. If they can find a rotation that keeps everyone motivated, that depth can really help them as the season drags on and fatique and injuries set in.

It also gives them plenty of matchup options.

I think they will be a playoff team, with a chance to win round 1. That would be a really good result for '26 Wings...and they are fun to watch. 😁

 

[oldude]

I think we have to give Smith a bit more time. Her poor play lines up with her head injury and mask wearing. It just makes no sense for her play to drop off so much in 1 year.

Shepherd on the other hand way outperforming expectations. Who would of thunk the solution to balancing all the ball dominant guards was to have Shepherd lead team in assists?

Azzi, as many here opined, is finding her way. I think she will keep improving too. Still 50-40-90 probably a tough ask in year 1. On ROY, Miles still has the inside track simply because she is starting point on a well coached team. That gives her consistent minutes and responsibility to keep producing solid stats. She is at 15/5/5 at the moment.

Wings future: Paige 24, Azzi 23, Kuier 24 are 3 they can build around long term. All the drama about drafting Fam and Betts, while in Kuier the long term answer up front may have been hiding there all along.

With roster full of guards, they can also put clear #1 priority for '27 on continuing to upgrade the frontcourt.

Meanwhile this year, the Wings secret power will be depth. They have 5 solid guards, and 5 solid front court players. If they can find a rotation that keeps everyone motivated, that depth can really help them as the season drags on and fatique and injuries set in.

It also gives them plenty of matchup options.

I think they will be a playoff team, with a chance to win round 1. That would be a really good results for '26 Wings...and they are fun to watch. 😁

Even if Smith starts to settle down and play more consistently, Kuier clearly looks to be the future for the Wings at center, and that future may be now. Under the circumstances it’s hard to justify a
3 year max contract for someone who’s likely to be coming off the bench.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Sue Bird was a great shooter. Her high-water marks:

.494 (partial season), .466, .463, .459 from the field

.469 (partial season), .448, .444, .438, .437 from the arc

1.000 (final season), .911 (rookie season), .884 (second year) free throws

Career averages: .429/.392/.853

 

[Basingstoke]

Even if Smith starts to settle down and play more consistently, Kuier clearly looks to be the future for the Wings at center, and that future may be now. Under the circumstances it’s hard to justify a
3 year max contract for someone who’s likely to be coming off the bench.

For me there is one positive caveat: taking into consideration Kuier's mobility and range, she could be used as a 1, 2 or 3 in the future depending on the personnel around her.

 

[oldude]

For me there is one positive caveat: taking into consideration Kuier's mobility and range, she could be used as a 1, 2 or 3 in the future depending on the personnel around her.

I think you mean 3, 4 or 5. 1 is the pg and 2 the shooting guard.

 

[FanSince17]

Even if Smith starts to settle down and play more consistently, Kuier clearly looks to be the future for the Wings at center, and that future may be now. Under the circumstances it’s hard to justify a
3 year max contract for someone who’s likely to be coming off the bench.

Yes, and I like Li Yueru too. I think she’s a developing player.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

That drill was incredible!

btw, Azzi is looking more comfortable in the W with each and every minute she plays.

Also, I remember people in the press saying things like "she's all catch-and-shoot". THAT certainly isn't true... She is quite adept at swiping the ball awayup from anyone who has the ball on the side near Azzi.

And, she's quicker and faster than I remember from her time at Storrs.

She's out of her mind jacked up, but definitely not slowed down. It didn't happen overnight, but I for one didn't see it happening. Her stat line from Liberty game was crazy!

 

[Basingstoke]

I think you mean 3, 4 or 5. 1 is the pg and 2 the shooting guard.

Yes. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Dillon77]

I've been "laxing" until Monday evening (former lacrosse player), so I'm getting the big orange ball out again.

My first thought was to compare Azzi to two former rookie guard/wings from last year and this is what I found:

• Paige Bueckers. Overall: 48%. Three-pt: 33%. FT: 89%
• Sonia Citron: Overall: 47%. Three-pt. 44.5%. FT: 87%

PG and Soni are two of best FT shooters I've ever seen, both in college and pros. If they're a tad short of 90%, that tells you just how hard it is. Paige was a master of the mid-range and Soni went crazy from trey last year, although not as much this season.

If Azzi comes anywhere close to those players, she's doing spectacularly.

 

[packwrap]

Under the circumstances it’s hard to justify a
3 year max contract for someone who’s likely to be coming off the bench.

That's the challenge with pro sports. Sometimes you get Tom Brady, others Desean Watson.

Smith has a guaranteed 3 yr deal thru '28 based on her previous play with Lynx.

Only way to remove her is to trade her at that salary ($1m). A better solution is for her to get healthy and play better. There are still 2.85/3.0 seasons of her contract left for her to resume her top level.

Apparently Smith is out on Thurs, so Kuier can get starters minutes.

 

[Basingstoke]

Here's hoping that Smith is able to rest, heal and reset.

 

[oldude]

By the way, Azzi’s “partner in crime” on the Wings is shooting a robust 52/48/81 through the first 7 games of the season. Maybe Paige needs to get some pointers from Azzi on her foul shooting….. 🧐

There’s a Wings practice shoot around video from yesterday where Paige appears to be spending almost the entire time working on her foul shooting. In part of the video, Azzi is standing right next to Paige giving her grief as Paige shoots foul shots. I’m sure it’s good natured ribbing. Then again, Paige probably can’t stand the fact that Azzi is shooting 100% from the foul line to her 81%……

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Damn, you beat me to it:

 

[Basingstoke]

I don't know about 50/40/90, but Azzi was great tonight in her first start as the Wings upset the Aces. The Wings had Fudd, Shepard and Bueckers with at least 20 and Kuier also in double figures and very good D against Aja.
The undisputed star of the night was Jessica Shepard with a triple double: 22 points, 20 rebounds and 19 assists!

 

[BBallF]

I’ve come around to Arike’s value. She is a streak shooter to be sure. But on balance she’s a definite plus for the Wings. In the 1st half against the Liberty, while the Wings were struggling, Arike almost single-handedly kept Dallas in the game. In the 2nd half, Arike missed a number of makeable shots. But by that time, Azzi and Paige both got hot as Dallas pulled away.

Arike is not going anywhere. She’s a valuable and experienced member of the Wings. Now if you want to question anyone on the Dallas roster, Alaina Smith and her max contract is an absolute head scratcher, particularly as Kuier looks better and better in the post.

The team Jose used tonight to beat the aces was Fudd, Paige, Clark, Shepard and Kuler. Arike played 8 minutes all game. Granted it was against Las Vegas who are long and have the league's best player in the post, but he went with a floor player in Clark over Arike. Azzi had a great game in her first W start.

 

[Basingstoke]

I don't know about 50/40/90, but Azzi was great tonight in her first start as the Wings upset the Aces. The Wings had Fudd, Shepard and Bueckers with at least 20 and Kuier also in double figures and very good D against Aja.
The undisputed star of the night was Jessica Shepard with a triple double: 22 points, 20 rebounds and 19 assists!

Make that 10 assists for Shepard...

 

[YKCornelius]

The team Jose used tonight to beat the aces was Fudd, Paige, Clark, Shepard and Kuler. Arike played 8 minutes all game. Granted it was against Las Vegas who are long and have the league's best player in the post, but he went with a floor player in Clark over Arike. Azzi had a great game in her first W start.

To be fair, Arike was reported sick prior to the game and was almost a scratch from the line-up (according to the Prime pregame sideline reporting)....

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[HuskyNan]

To be fair, Arike was reported sick prior to the game and was almost a scratch from the line-up (according to the Prime pregame sideline reporting)....

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[oldude]

After her 1st start, Azzi’s splits from the court and 3-pt line both jumped to 57% & 46%. Unfortunately, she missed her 1st FT of the season causing her 3rd split to plummet from 100% to 75%…. 😢

 

[FanSince17]

After her 1st start, Azzi’s splits from the court and 3-pt line both jumped to 57% & 46%. Unfortunately, she missed her 1st FT of the season causing her 3rd split to plummet from 100% to 75%…. 😢

If we actually watch the games, which I know you do, to me, stats get tedious. I'm kinda anti-analytics. I'm a Yankee fan and I watch all the games on YES. Joe Girardi, who I really like, is so locked into analytics, sometimes it gets hard to listen to.
Geno says it best, all his players can do fundamental things, like hit an open 3, it's WHEN you do it.
Arike was 5 for 20 from the field against the Liberty, but she was +18 over/under. She hit tough, important shots.
I think Azzi did that last night for sure. Paige's 3 from the top under pressure was brilliant. Wow, who in the W is playing better than Shepard? Go Wings.
I especially don't like when stats affect players. I think the 50/40/90 stuff does that!

 

[Bald Husky]

After her 1st start, Azzi’s splits from the court and 3-pt line both jumped to 57% & 46%. Unfortunately, she missed her 1st FT of the season causing her 3rd split to plummet from 100% to 75%…. 😢

Azzi shot over 90% last year, but she has only attempted 4 I believe, so she has to do more driving to start getting to the line. Her outside shot is so quick and compact that she rarely gets fouled while taking those shots. Of course, if she keeps making those 3 pointers, I will forgive her for not going to the line. At any rate, she is playing fantastic and really settling into the line-up. She will never not start ever again.

 

[FanSince17]

Azzi shot over 90% last year, but she has only attempted 4 I believe, so she has to do more driving to start getting to the line. Her outside shot is so quick and compact that she rarely gets fouled while taking those shots. Of course, if she keeps making those 3 pointers, I will forgive her for not going to the line. At any rate, she is playing fantastic and really settling into the line-up. She will never not start ever again.

She IS taking it to the hoop. If anything we’ve been waiting for her J to get locked in. How many posts are we going to worry about Azzi’s free throw shooting. Ugh. Really? Players should not, in a perfect world, play to the stats. If the driving lane is there, take it, if it’s not don’t take it. Like she did last night.

 

[schmendrick]

The team Jose used tonight to beat the aces was Fudd, Paige, Clark, Shepard and Kuler. Arike played 8 minutes all game. Granted it was against Las Vegas who are long and have the league's best player in the post, but he went with a floor player in Clark over Arike. Azzi had a great game in her first W start.

Arike reportedly was sick. She was a game-time decision. She looked a bit bleary-eyed and didn't have her usual energy. So I wouldn't read too much into Clark over Arike.

 

[ShmiCO]

Wow, who in the W is playing better than Shepard?

I watch the game highlights for Azzi and Paige, but Shepard was frankly amazing. It felt like she was everywhere, doing everything.

 

[FanSince17]

I watch the game highlights for Azzi and Paige, but Shepard was frankly amazing. It felt like she was everywhere, doing everything.

I’d say it started with Magic, grab the board and go. Who needs an outlet pass. We used to practice the outlet day after day. It also takes some pressure off Paige, always having to handle. BTW I love Paige at the point!
The Wings are seriously fun to watch!

 

[oldude]

If we actually watch the games, which I know you do, to me, stats get tedious. I'm kinda anti-analytics. I'm a Yankee fan and I watch all the games on YES. Joe Girardi, who I really like, is so locked into analytics, sometimes it gets hard to listen to.
Geno says it best, all his players can do fundamental things, like hit an open 3, it's WHEN you do it.
Arike was 5 for 20 from the field against the Liberty, but she was +18 over/under. She hit tough, important shots.
I think Azzi did that last night for sure. Paige's 3 from the top under pressure was brilliant. Wow, who in the W is playing better than Shepard? Go Wings.
I especially don't like when stats affect players. I think the 50/40/90 stuff does that!

I believe Azzi spends “0 time” contemplating 50/40/90 shooting splits and 100% of her time on how she can get better to help the Wings win games.

Stats are for fans, and I’m a fan. I don’t know how old you are, but back in the 60’s when I was a kid I collected baseball cards. I spent a lot more time looking at the back of the card than the front.

 

[FanSince17]

I believe Azzi spends “0 time” contemplating 50/40/90 shooting splits and 100% of her time on how she can get better to help the Wings win games.

Stats are for fans, and I’m a fan. I don’t know how old you are, but back in the 60’s when I was a kid I collected baseball cards. I spent a lot more time looking at the back of the card than the front.

That’s great. We’re opposites. Which is all good. I started paying big attention about ‘67. Red Sox were exciting.

 

[bballnut90]

Fudd's been tearing it up but realistically wont qualify based on minimum # of free throw attempts. I don't know if there's an official barometer in the WNBA, but for NBA it's 125 FTs made on the season which averages out to a minimum of 1.5 made per game. Adjust that to a WNBA season (44 games) and she'd need to make 66 FTs. Right now she's only taken 4 FTs this season and her playing style doesn't draw fouls to put her at the line.

50–40–90 club - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Realistically Azzi's percentages will drop off as the season goes on but if she finishes around 50/40/85 those would be unbelievable shooting splits, especially for a rookie. For comparison sake, Paige as a rookie was at 48/33/89 and Maya was 44/37/79, and those 2 are considered among the most efficient players of all time.

 

[FanSince17]

Fudd's been tearing it up but realistically wont qualify based on minimum # of free throw attempts. I don't know if there's an official barometer in the WNBA, but for NBA it's 125 FTs made on the season which averages out to a minimum of 1.5 made per game. Adjust that to a WNBA season (44 games) and she'd need to make 66 FTs. Right now she's only taken 4 FTs this season and her playing style doesn't draw fouls to put her at the line.

50–40–90 club - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Realistically Azzi's percentages will drop off as the season goes on but if she finishes around 50/40/85 those would be unbelievable shooting splits, especially for a rookie. For comparison sake, Paige as a rookie was at 48/33/89 and Maya was 44/37/79, and those 2 are considered among the most efficient players of all time.

Why, Azzi will make her free throws, maybe the rest of them. See if she can reach at least those minimum requirements.

 

[Bald Husky]

I believe Azzi spends “0 time” contemplating 50/40/90 shooting splits and 100% of her time on how she can get better to help the Wings win games.

Stats are for fans, and I’m a fan. I don’t know how old you are, but back in the 60’s when I was a kid I collected baseball cards. I spent a lot more time looking at the back of the card than the front.

I sure wish I kept those baseball cards in the sixty's instead of flipping them. The games were closest to the wall and topseys, and never had a though of collecting them. Stupid me. LOL

 

[oldude]

I sure wish I kept those baseball cards in the sixty's instead of flipping them. The games were closest to the wall and topseys, and never had a though of collecting them. Stupid me. LOL

I used to play topseys, matchies and leaners with my Little League buddy Butch, who lived across the street. That’s how I got my only Micky Mantle card, when Butch mistakenly threw his Mantle card out against the wall in my basement during a game of topseys. 😁

Yea, I wish I had kept those cards too…..

 

[FanSince17]

I sure wish I kept those baseball cards in the sixty's instead of flipping them. The games were closest to the wall and topseys, and never had a though of collecting them. Stupid me. LOL

Me too. I used to complete the checklists, so I'd buy 20 packs to get one player, sometimes a 3rd string catcher. I had a stack of doubles a foot high. I could have 10 Reggie Jacksons. I'd give them away. And my cards were never mint condition.
I sold them in bulk, including football and basketball, and I gave the $ to Mom to put in a bathroom in her house and landscaping. I had a Nolan Ryan rookie card and Pete Rose rookie card (worth something before he got in trouble).