The WNBA draft raised many questions, with many answers: the Wings selected Azzi Fudd as the first overall pick, and the Lynx strengthened their offense by adding Olivia Miles at the second position. With the amount of talent available in the draft class, the player’s selection at the high position is certainly a monumental achievement.
But the former Notre Dame star is not satisfied with it and is looking to make a bigger impact on the league, with the help of her roster and coach.
Olivia Miles Believes In Herself To Make Impact In WNBA
The Lynx scouted many players in the offseason during the NCAA Tournament and settled on the 23-year-old guard as their top pick. After early training sessions, Coach Reeves had a lot of positive things to say about her 2026 rookie and her attitude. Such trust boosted the guard, who played 19 minutes in her first-ever game with the Lynx.
“I think I’m in this position for a reason,” Miles said. “Obviously, [coach Cheryl Reeve] sees something in me and believes in me. She would not have me out there if she didn’t think I could do it. So, yeah, it’s a privilege.”
FINAL IN DC ⤵️
— WNBA (@WNBA) April 26, 2026
The @minnesotalynx defeat the Mystics, 77-66, in preseason action!
Saylor Poffenbarger: 9 PTS | 13 REB
Jaylyn Sherrod: 9 PTS | 2 STL
Olivia Miles: 8 PTS | 3 REB | 2 AST pic.twitter.com/BVZ3H02uYr
“You have to look at it through a positive lens, or else I’ll stress myself out,” the star added with a smile on her face. In her first game as a pro, Miles scored eight points but was effective on the court with two assists, three rebounds, and a steal.
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Candace Parker also sees huge potential in the Miles, predicting an absolutely crazy WNBA redemption on her post-moves podcast. The elite playmaker could be tougher competition for Azzi Fudd’s Rookie of the Year bid.
Olivia Miles Could Be Key Contributor For Minnesota Lynx
The 5-foot-10 guard brings elite, “generational” playmaking to the Minnesota Lynx, immediately filling the need for a true floor general. Her elite court vision, high basketball IQ, and passing ability will allow her to excel in Cheryl Reeve’s structured offense, setting up shooters and maximizing frontcourt talent.
With the No. 2 pick the Minnesota Lynx select Olivia Miles 🔥
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 13, 2026
Olivia and Phee pick-n-rolls gonna go crazy 👀 pic.twitter.com/8uueLUOfBK
Beyond playmaking, the star herself is strong, averaging nearly 20 points in her final college season while improving her 3-point shot and finishing ability on drives.
Defensively, while not her strongest attribute historically, her transition to a disciplined Minnesota defensive system will sharpen her on-ball tenacity. By adding another playmaker next to established veterans, Miles provides the Lynx with a dynamic weapon capable of handling pressure and shifting tempo.