When the Minnesota Lynx drafted Olivia Miles No. 2 overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, there was some shock.
Among experts, there seemed to be a definitive top four prospects: Azzi Fudd, Awa Fam, Lauren Betts and Miles herself.
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Top prospects during the draft process
Fudd had a successful five-year career playing guard at UConn. She led the Big East conference in three-point percentage and made the AP All-American First Team. The Wings drafted her No. 1 overall to play alongside her former UConn teammate Paige Bueckers, who the Wings drafted No. 1 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft.
The Storm selected Fam No. 3 overall out of Spain, and though she hasn’t made her WNBA debut yet, she looks to be a key contributor to a Seattle team that has started the season 2-4. Fam is only 19-years-old, making her the youngest player in the WNBA. Meaning she will have plenty of time to develop either in the EuroLeague or against top competition.
The Mystics drafted Betts No. 4 overall, making her the first of five UCLA draftees in the first round. Betts was a top college player, making the AP All-American First Team twice and winning the NCAA Championship this past year.
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With the exception of Fam, who was not set to head to the WNBA right away, Miles was likely the biggest question mark of the top four prospects.
During the draft process, Miles was touted for her court vision and high-level playmaking ability. She averaged 19.6 points per game and 6.6 assists per game in her lone season at TCU, where she was named to the AP All-American Second Team. She was certainly a top prospect, but didn’t receive the same college hype as somebody like Fudd or Betts.
Still, many experts loved the fit of Miles in Minnesota. She provides the Lynx with a true point guard they haven’t had since Lindsay Whalen.
Early-season successes
In five games so far this season, Miles is off to the hottest start of any rookie, averaging 15.2 PPG, 4.2 rebounds per game and 5.6 APG.
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In her first career game against the Dream, Miles dropped 21 points and eight assists, leading the team in scoring despite the loss.
She has shown an ability to see the floor unlike anyone else on the team, and has been a dynamic pick-and-roll threat with new forward Natasha Howard.
Miles has yet to record a double-double with either assists or rebounds. However, she finished one rebound short of the mark in the Lynx’s win against the Sky.
Outside of her passing ability, Miles has proven to be a high-level scorer and defender. She’s averaging 1.5 steals per game and is the 25th highest scorer in the WNBA. She is a huge reason why the Lynx are exceeding expectations this season. They currently hold the fourth-best record in the league. That’s despite losing key players in free agency and Napheesa Collier to an ankle injury.
Miles has started all six games for the Lynx thus far. She will likely continue to start alongside Courtney Williams even when Collier comes back from the injury she sustained in last year’s playoffs.
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What does Miles project for?
If she keeps up these early-season heroics, she is a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year, an award she is already the betting favorite according to Bet MGM. Miles is even playing well enough to be named an All-Star this year. Her stats mirror those of other star guards such as Skylar Diggins and Bueckers.
Though it’s very early to project, Miles has undoubtedly been the WNBA’s top rookie this season. She has already shown a veteran mentality, only six games into her career. If she can stay healthy, expect her skills to grow. Her future will be bright, and she can blossom into one of the league’s top players.
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