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“Those In Charge Really Hate Fudd”: Fans Erupt After WNBA Leaves Azzi Fudd Off All-Defensive Teams

The WNBA’s 2026 All-Defensive Teams announcement sparked immediate controversy after Dallas Wings rookie guard Azzi Fudd was left off both squads, despite her standout defensive season. Fudd led all rookies in steals per game (1.7) and ranked fourth in the league, yet she was the only top-five steals leader snubbed by the selection committee.

Her 0.8 blocks per game and 22 blocks in her first 25 career games—more than any guard since Alana Beard—highlighted her elite rim protection, while her 39.7% three-point shooting added to her two-way impact. Fans took to social media to question the omission, with many arguing her injury-shortened 30-game season (due to a late-year injury) cost her a spot she otherwise deserved.

Fudd’s 1.7 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, alongside her rookie records in steals and blocks, underscored her case for recognition, even as the First and Second Teams featured established stars like Angel Reese, Rhyne Howard, and A’ja Wilson.

The backlash centered on Fudd’s historic defensive metrics, including becoming the fastest WNBA guard to reach 20 career blocks. Her exclusion—despite averaging 1.8 assists and 1.7 rebounds per game—left many questioning whether her guard position or lack of flashy highlight plays influenced the decision.

While some acknowledged her limited playing time due to injury, others dismissed that as an excuse, pointing to her elite stat line as proof of her defensive dominance. The Wings’ seventh playoff seed also framed her season as a breakout year, with Fudd’s 13.1 points per game and top-three three-point shooting further cementing her as a two-way threat.

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