Most people think of Azzi Fudd and immediately recall her sharpshooting, especially after winning the WNBA All-Star three-point contest. However, she is elite in another key aspect of the game, possibly even breaking a league record.

According to Polymarket Hoops on X, Fudd is now on pace to have the most steals by a rookie in nearly 20 years. Alexis Hornbuckle has held this record since 2006, recording 79 in 2008.

But Fudd has already recorded 45 steals for the season, and with 17 games left on the Dallas Wings schedule, there is more than just hope for Hornbuckle's record to be broken.

Fudd's season average is 1.7 steals per game. With that, she’s projected to finish with about 29 more steals for a total of 74. However, there is another aspect to look forward to.

According to StatMuse, in the last 15 games, Fudd's steals per game average has jumped to 2.1. So if she keeps up this form, Fudd can potentially become the rookie with the most steals in a single season.

Not many would have predicted this outcome when it comes to Fudd. But for the people who have been watching her since her college days, Fudd under head coach Geno Auriemma for the UConn Huskies had all the makings to reach this achievement.

After a slow start to life in the WNBA for Fudd, rival Olivia Miles has the upper hand in all the Rookie of the Year discussions. But that should not take away from Fudd's debut campaign, which has been gaining ground game by game.

Azzi Fudd is Still Having a Record-Breaking Rookie Year

Fudd has clearly been the second-best rookie this season, making a compelling case to be in ROTY conversations herself.

Earlier this season, she became the fastest player since 2002 to reach 40 threes and 40 steals. She also joined Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings as one of two rookies who have recorded a 20-game span with 35 threes, 35 steals, and 20 blocks.

During the All-Star weekend, the No. 1 overall draft pick recorded 30 points in the final round of Friday night’s three-point contest in the WNBA All-Star weekend, ousting Portland Fire forward Bridget Carleton.

But Fudd had her confidence high, as moments after the win, she said she’d welcome the opportunity to go head-to-head against Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. 

“Steph, if you’re listening, I’ve been trying to get a rematch since high school,” the former UConn Huskies star said during her media availability. "So maybe this is our time to figure out a time and a place.”

Fudd and Curry previously met at this stage during the SC30 Camp in 2018. But with both their careers on opposite ends of the spectrum, it will be interesting to see how the battle unfolds.

Meanwhile, only time will tell if Fudd reaches the defensive accolade not beaten in two decades. But for now, the 18-9 Wings have their sights on continuing the momentum to the playoffs.

So, do you think Azzi Fudd can catch up to Olivia Miles in the Rookie of the Year conversations as the season progresses? Let us know in the comments.

Read more at Her Sports Nation!

Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy