Insider says quiet part out loud about Olivia Miles’ No. 1 overall WNBA Draft snub

The Minnesota Lynx look like an unstoppable force atop the WNBA standings. Minnesota is 30-7 on the season and is one of three teams to already clinch a playoff berth. One reason why the Lynx have been so dominant in 2026 is because of their superstar rookie Olivia Miles.

The Athletic’s Annie Costabile did not stutter when looking back at the 2026 WNBA Draft during a recent interview. Costabile declared that Miles should have been the top pick over Azzi Fudd.

“Check the receipts, I was saying since the very beginning Olivia Miles should have been the No. 1 overall pick,” Costabile said on Friday via Yahoo Sports Daily. “I think we’re seeing why now. And if you’re considering Dallas making a selection based on the best player available, that was Olivia and is Olivia.”

Miles has been incredible during her rookie campaign. She is averaging 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game. She is the clear favorite to win Rookie of the Year, even over Fudd.

Fudd has put together a solid rookie season, too. After all, she is averaging 13.1 points per game herself. However, she hasn’t risen to the same level of prominence as Miles.

One reason could simply be the fit of Miles in Minnesota.

“I think when you consider, you know, the fit with Olivia in Dallas, it looks like she ended up in a better situation in Minnesota,” Costabile added. “Not only positionally but also because of the talent on that roster. That’s a veteran roster and it has allowed Olivia to shine even more.”

Costabile also noted that both Miles and Wings guard Paige Bueckers are franchise players. While it would not have been impossible for Bueckers and Miles to coexist in Dallas, Costabile did question if would have been the right move.

Either way, Minnesota obviously wouldn’t change a thing.

Next up for the Lynx is a road game against the Mystics. That contest tips off at 7:30PM ET on August 21st from CareFirst Arena in Washington.

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