When the 2026 WNBA Draft occurred in April, most of the highlight centered on Azzi Fudd not Olivia Miles.
The sharpshooting guard was chosen first total by the Dallas Wings and entered the league carrying monumental expectations.
In the meantime, Olivia Miles went second total to the Minnesota Lynx.
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She arrived with elite playmaking credentials and a status as one in all the smartest guards in faculty basketball, however there have been nonetheless questions on her scoring consistency and outdoors taking pictures.
A couple of weeks into her rookie season, lots of these doubts are disappearing rapidly.
Miles has grow to be one in all the breakout stars of the 2026 WNBA season, serving to lead Minnesota to one in all the league’s finest information whereas rising as the clear frontrunner in the Rookie of the 12 months race.
Not the No. 1 decide — however arguably the largest early success story
The Wings chosen Fudd first total due to her elite scoring capacity and polished perimeter sport.
However early returns recommend Minnesota could have landed one in all the most impactful gamers in the draft.
Miles has produced spectacular all-around numbers to start her skilled profession, averaging round:
- 17 factors per sport
- 5 rebounds per sport
- 6 assists per sport
Extra importantly, she has remodeled Minnesota’s offense together with her tempo, imaginative and prescient and decision-making.
The Lynx entered the season dealing with uncertainty after roster modifications and harm considerations, but they’ve surged close to the prime of the standings with Miles operating the present.
Cheryl Reeve is already trusting her instincts
One among the strongest endorsements of Miles’ influence has come from Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Talking not too long ago about teaching the rookie level guard, Reeve defined that she usually permits Miles to belief her instincts reasonably than overloading her with directions.
“I don’t coach… lots of instances she’ll say, ‘What would you like me to search for?’ and I say, ‘No matter your instincts let you know.’”
Reeve added that she tries to remain out of Miles’ method due to how naturally she sees passing angles and reads defenses.
That degree of belief is uncommon for a first-year guard and highlights how rapidly Miles has earned respect inside one in all the WNBA’s most profitable organizations.
The efficiency that modified the dialog
Miles’ breakout reached one other degree after her explosive show towards the Golden State Valkyries.
The rookie guard erupted for 28 factors whereas pulling down eight three-pointers, setting a brand new WNBA rookie file for many threes made in a single sport.
The earlier mark had been shared by a number of gamers, together with Caitlin Clark.
The efficiency shocked many observers as a result of outdoors taking pictures had been considered as one in all the largest query marks in Miles’ sport throughout the draft course of.
As an alternative, she answered critics emphatically.
“Probably the most polished participant in the class”
Round the basketball world, reward for Miles continues to develop quickly.
One widespread social media evaluation described her as:
“Probably the most polished participant in the 2026 WNBA draft class.”
Different followers have in contrast her composure and fundamentals to how Tim Duncan entered the NBA in the late Nineteen Nineties — calm, environment friendly and instantly impactful.
Social media has additionally been flooded with comparisons involving Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and different younger stars as followers debate the place Miles’ rookie season ranks amongst current WNBA arrivals.
Why Olivia Miles is so tough to defend
Miles will not be dominating due to elite athleticism alone.
Her best strengths are:
- Basketball IQ
- Tempo management
- Court docket imaginative and prescient
- Passing creativity
- Determination-making below stress
Analysts have already drawn stylistic comparisons to legendary WNBA guards equivalent to:
Veterans on the Lynx roster have benefited enormously from her arrival.
Gamers like:
- Kayla McBride
- Courtney Williams
- Natasha Howard
have all loved cleaner appears and simpler offensive alternatives because of Miles’ capacity to control defenses and management the rhythm of video games.
Rookie of the 12 months race already leaning her method?
It could nonetheless be early in the season, however Miles has rapidly established herself as the main Rookie of the 12 months candidate.
Her mixture of:
- Particular person manufacturing
- Effectivity
- Management
- Staff success
has separated her from a lot of the rookie class.
The larger shock could also be how rapidly she already appears comfy controlling video games towards seasoned professionals.
At a time when the WNBA is experiencing unprecedented development and a focus, Olivia Miles abruptly appears like one in all the faces of the league’s subsequent era.
And the most exceptional half?
She wasn’t even the first participant chosen in the draft.
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