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Sophie Cunningham Picks Olivia Miles as Rookie of the Year Without Hesitation
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- Sophie Cunningham Picks Olivia Miles as Rookie of the Year Without Hesitation
The Indiana Fever have a promising rookie in Raven Johnson, the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. However, even Sophie Cunningham knows that the Rookie of the Year race is already over, with one first-year player separating herself from the pack.
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles has been sensational this season, averaging 18.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, 5.6 assists and 1.4 steals. She's shooting 53.8% from the field and 35.2% from deep.
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Miles leads the Lynx in points and assists, while ranking third in steals and fourth in rebounds. She has been a huge reason the Minnesota sit atop the WNBA standings with a 13-4 record.
That said, Cunningham is convinced that Miles already has the Rookie of the Year honor in the bag.
Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles (5) looks on against the Portland Fire in the second half at Target Center.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
"They said Olivia Miles was up for Rookie [of the Year]. She's going to get Rookie of the Year," Cunningham confidently said during a recent episode of her "Show Me Something" podcast.
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"I don't know if anyone has watched her play, whoever's listening to this: she is a beast."
Cunningham went on to praise Miles, whom she said has the "wiggle of a guy." The Fever guard also took note of the Lynx rookie's elite passing, shooting and court vision.
"She is GOOD. Good, good. I like her. I know people think it's weird when like you compliment other people in our league because you have to play against them. But I'm also like, 'Give this girl her flowers, she is a freaking beast.' I'm a fan."
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Miles recently made history by scoring 485 points in her first 15 games. That's the most by any rookie over that span, surpassing the mark set by Paige Bueckers (472 points) in 2025. Fever star Caitlin Clark also held the record in 2024 after she scored 449 points in her first 15 games.
Both Clark and Bueckers won Rookie of the Year, and considering how Miles has set the bar higher for other rookies, Cunningham may not be wrong in saying that the Minnesota star is going to win the award.
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Related: WNBA to Issue Double Punishment to Indiana Fever After Atlanta Dream Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
