The Dallas Wings are about to make a franchise- defining decision as they have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. They could select Lauren Betts, Azzi Fudd, or Awa Fam.
The draft will be held on Monday, April 13, in New York City. As in past years, it will be eight days after the NCAA National Championship game.
The Wings have a chance to pair Paige Bueckers with the last pure center we might see for a long time in Lauren Betts. Betts has everything that the Dallas frontcourt was missing last season – paint presence, defensive instincts, and offensive versatility.
Dallas needs to draft Betts. They cannot pass on a player with that size and ability. Guards are plentiful.
For the tournament, Lauren averaged 21.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.8 blocks while shooting 68.8% from the field. Betts shot it with efficiency while being constantly double- or triple-teamed. She also anchors the defense and is a legitimate playmaking hub on the Bruins.
Fudd suits Dallas because the Wings need a perimeter scoring threat to complement their team structure. She can spread the floor and play defense. A three-point shooter is hard to find.
There is a possibility that Fudd can reunite with Bueckers. The chemistry is already there. She and Paige dominated together at UConn—imagine what they could do in the WNBA with Dallas.
The graduate guard averaged nearly 18 points per game while shooting at an elite level. She helped power the Huskies to an undefeated season and national championship contention despite losing to the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Final Four. Her leadership and shot-making have been central to UConn’s return to dominance.
Fam is much more versatile, and at 6’5″, she is long enough to defend the rim. She thrives off the pick-and-roll and makes herself open for literally any shot.
The Wings are interested in Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin, so I am not sure if they will draft Fam. She is 19 and will need time to develop.
Fam showed elite consistency on both ends. She’s hitting season highs of 17 points and 11 rebounds, and even in her low games, she grinds out at least two points and three boards. Most importantly, no zeros on her box score this season.
Most people want Betts or Fam to go number one to Dallas because they need a good big, but they need an experienced veteran big, not a rookie. Fans are hoping they get a free agent and draft Fudd because she and Paige already know each other’s play style, and will create a good foundation.
The lesson from last year should be that there are no shortcuts. The Wings are going to be bad this season, no matter what. Dallas needs to take the player who benefits them the most in the long term.
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