Napheesa Collier Shares Her Excitement On Playing Alongside ‘Amazing’ Olivia Miles

The Minnesota Lynx will be eager to win the championship this year. While the team had a solid roster last year, they failed to go the distance. This year, however, the Lynx front office wanted to make it count. Trying to build the team around Napheesa Collier, they added some significant value to the roster. 

And one of the biggest names joining Minnesota this season is Olivia Miles. Roped in as the overall number 2 pick, the excitement around the TCU star is shooting through the roof. Immediately, fans have started to speculate how the duo would fare on the hardwood together. Now, as the WNBA season is knocking on the door, Collier herself detailed her opinions about the rising youngster.

What Did Napheesa Collier Say About Olivia Miles?

The 29-year-old had quite a busy offseason. Serving as the leading voice for the CBA reform, Collier is now back to focusing on her game. Right before the season, ‘Phee’ signed a $1.4 million supermax contract extension with Minnesota. And while the team has some lofty expectations from the veteran star, the 5-time WNBA All-Star spilled the beans on having Miles by her side. 

“I’m super excited, Liv’s court vision and her passing ability is really amazing. I’ve never played with a player like that before. So it’s been fun to watch her, like even get better in the past couple weeks… I’m excited to get out there and reap the benefits of it,” said Collier to the reporters. 

Napheesa Collier on playing with Olivia Miles

“I’m super excited, Liv’s court vision and her passing ability is really amazing. I’ve never played with a player like that before. So it’s been fun to watch her, like even get better in the past couple weeks… I’m excited to get out… pic.twitter.com/d0edJ98tQI

— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) May 3, 2026

Surely, with Miles dominating the college realm this year, the 2025 WNBA All-Star MVP is bound to feel excited. Looking at the 23-year-old’s stats, the TCU star had an astounding 48.1% shooting from the field. If she can translate her heroics in the WNBA, there’s no telling that the spotlight would be immediately on her.

---

Meanwhile, despite the Lynx looking to start their campaign on a high note, Collier is expected to miss significant game time. 

When Will Napheesa Collier Return From Her Injury Break?

Last year did not turn out to be particularly well for the 2019 Rookie of the Year. Suiting up against the Phoenix, the Lynx star incurred a nasty ankle injury. Struggling with the same, the 29-year-old went under the knife twice to treat both her ankles. As a result, ‘Phee’ returning to the court looks like a distant possibility now.

According to Alexa Phillippou, “Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announced. She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January.”

Napheesa Collier is expected to return to on-court basketball activities in early June, the Minnesota Lynx announce.

She underwent surgery on her left ankle on March 24 after having surgery on her right ankle in early January.

Further updates on her progress will be provided…

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 21, 2026

Thus, with things looking a bit complicated, fans will now wait to see how soon Collier can make her recovery.