Why Olivia Miles is much more likely to win Rookie of the Year instead of Azzi Fudd originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
No team in the history of the WNBA has had more players go on to win the league’s Rookie of the Year than the Minnesota Lynx.
Advertisement
Minnesota has been home to five players who were named the league’s top rookie in their debut season — most recently, Crystal Dangerfield in 2020, one season after Napheesa Collier won the honors.
But Olivia Miles, one of NCAA basketball’s best playmakers, is uniquely positioned to be named top rookie in 2026 — even after she went one pick behind Azzi Fudd, arguably college basketball’s best shooter, in last month’s WNBA draft.
MORE: Sabrina Ionescu headlines Liberty’s injury report for season opener
The Lynx, WNBA finalists two seasons ago and owners of the league’s best record in 2025, are entering something akin to a transitional season.
Advertisement
Collier is not expected to play before the All-Star break, and Minnesota lost several key contributors to free agency.
As such, Miles has been tipped by ESPN’s experts to win Rookie of the Year, because head coach Cheryl Reeves is going to entrust her with running the offense immediately — starting Saturday night in the season opener against the Atlanta Dream.
“Olivia Miles has the perfect mix of talent and opportunity,” wrote ESPN’s Kareem Copeland. “The No. 2 pick starts from day one on a team that’s waiting for Napheesa Collier to get healthy and also lost Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, Bridget Carleton and Natisha Hiedeman during free agency.”
That situation is in contrast to Fudd in Dallas, where this year’s top overall pick is likely the third option on offense behind Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd.
Advertisement
“Miles will get a ton of court time and be allowed to play through any growing pains,” wrote ESPN’s Michael Voepel. “The car keys are in her hands. Look for her to become the second No. 2 pick in WNBA history to win this award.”
Simply put, the opportunity and usage that Miles will accrue — especially while Collier is unavailable — might put her in an unassailable position to claim Rookie of the Year honors, long before the 2026 regular season draws to a close.
