New Projected #1 in 2026 Mock Lottery

[Majorthreat]

According to ESPN. Azzi is now the new projected #1 draft pick for the Dallas Wings. Dallas definitely needs a big so not sure if this projection will hold.

WNBA mock draft: UConn's Fudd is new No. 1 as Wings win lottery

Azzi Fudd is the new projected No. 1 pick after Dallas won the draft lottery for the second consecutive year.

www.espn.com

 

[visitingcock]

According to ESPN. Azzi is now the new projected #1 draft pick for the Dallas Wings. Dallas definitely needs a big so not sure if this projection will hold.

WNBA mock draft: UConn's Fudd is new No. 1 as Wings win lottery

Azzi Fudd is the new projected No. 1 pick after Dallas won the draft lottery for the second consecutive year.

www.espn.com

I think Dallas looks at Paige as a franchise player who will be on their team for the next decade or more. Therefore, they should involve her in the decision making process. Will loyalty to her partner outweigh the need for a dominant big at this time? It might but then again she might place team above her personal desires,

 

[Majorthreat]

I think Dallas looks at Paige as a franchise player who will be on their team for the next decade or more. Therefore, they should involve her in the decision making process. Will loyalty to her partner outweigh the need for a dominant big at this time? It might but then again she might place team above her personal desires,

Yes, I agree. It's definitely a tough decision. They are guard-heavy right now and have 6 players
signed, Bueckers, Siegrist, Diamond Miller, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly. Arike Ogunbowale, Li Yueru, Myisha Hines-Allen and Tyasha Harris are free agents. In 2027, the wings will have two 1st round picks and can really get some deep talent or trade for a good player in the offseason.

 

[Bigboote]

Mike Voepal calls this the “projected” draft order, but is the only listed contributor. Anyone know (or did I miss it in the article) whether he took input from other ESPN contributors?

 

[Majorthreat]

Mike Voepal calls this the “projected” draft order, but is the only listed contributor. Anyone know (or did I miss it in the article) whether he took input from other ESPN contributors?

That's a good question. Just 3 days ago, I know Chiney Ogwumike had Awa Fam as going number one possibly, so I think it's fluid and will change 2-3 more times this year. Betts, Fam, Azzi and Miles will probably be in contention.

 

[cancontent]

Let's not forget that this is an ESPN article and there are others who will have their own mock drafts. The Athletic still has Fam as their number one pick.

 

[Gamecockfan77]

I think it would be a mistake to take Fudd #1.

Personally, I'd take Betts or probably Miles if they wanted to take a guard.

But I don't know a bunch about Fam.

 

[JellyBean]

Yes, I agree. It's definitely a tough decision. They are guard-heavy right now and have 6 players
signed, Bueckers, Siegrist, Diamond Miller, Aziaha James and JJ Quinerly. Arike Ogunbowale, Li Yueru, Myisha Hines-Allen and Tyasha Harris are free agents. In 2027, the wings will have two 1st round picks and can really get some deep talent or trade for a good player in the offseason.

I can see them trading some of those players for additional picks, if there are takers out there. Li likes it in Dallas and given the right coach, she could develop into a quality big for the Wings.

If I am the Dallas GM, I am keeping Siegrist, Hines-Allen, Harris, James, and Miller. And of course Paige, and then build around that core. Arike is the X factor. If I keep her, we can draft Azzi. If we find teams interested in Arike. We could get 2-3 draft picks for her. Maybe an extra pick or two this season and 1 next season. :::

 

[YKCornelius]

I can see them trading some of those players for additional picks, if there are takers out there. Li likes it in Dallas and given the right coach, she could develop into a quality big for the Wings.

If I am the Dallas GM, I am keeping Siegrist, Hines-Allen, Harris, James, and Miller. And of course Paige, and then build around that core. Arike is the X factor. If I keep her, we can draft Azzi. If we find teams interested in Arike. We could get 2-3 draft picks for her. Maybe an extra pick or two this season and 1 next season. :::

JellyBean, Arike is a Free Agent. She is free to sign with anybody. Why wouldn't an interested team simply sign Arike and keep their draft picks?

Arike has not shown the capability (or desire?) to play team defense. She is a liability in that regard. Her best bet is with an expansion team that needs a dynamic scorer to put cheeks in seats. Not Dallas.

 

[Stagnant]

I think espn is trying to pressure the wings into taking Azzi.

 

[GoUconn7961]

I think espn is trying to pressure the wings into taking Azzi.

Agree. It would make a good storyline. But the Wings need a big. As much as I loved Paige & Azzi last year, I think the Wings should take Betts (and show her how to set better screens).

 

[Stronga12]

Not sure if this the right place to post this but Awa Fam said in an interview published today that UConn recruited her but she ultimately decided to turn professional.

 

[bballnut90]

I think espn is trying to pressure the wings into taking Azzi.

Lauren Betts yesterday was also putting forth her best effort to avoid going #1 to the Wings too