This WNBA rookie class has been spectacular, to say the least, and it’s been fun watching which first-year players separate themselves from the pack. While the group as a whole has been outstanding, there are some who shine above the rest. Azzi Fudd, Olivia Miles and Lauren Betts have been impressive, and have placed themselves in the conversation for WNBA Rookie of the Year. These ladies have met expectations early, and all eyes will be on them to see whether they can sustain that success throughout the season.
Olivia Miles: The WNBA Rookie Playing Like A Veteran Floor General
After a blazing start to her career, Miles has grabbed the attention of not only the WNBA, but the entire basketball world. It’s rare for a rookie to come in and play with so much poise and composure. Her understanding of the game is off the charts, as she has helped lead the Lynx to the best record in the WNBA.
There were concerns about who would lead the team since they knew that perennial MVP candidate Napheesa Collier could miss the first half of the season. Any concerns disappeared as soon as Miles put on a Lynx jersey. The WNBA Rookie of the Month for May ranks among the leaders in points per game (19.0), assists per game (5.7) and steals (1.4) among first-year players. To clarify her efficiency even more, Miles is shooting 56.6% (top ten overall for all WNBA guards) and she’s shooting lights out at the charity stripe (91%), good for top five in the league.
Whenever Collier returns, it will be interesting to see how her and Miles mesh on the floor together. Just the thought of that duo on the floor together is scary for opposing teams, and Collier could elevate Miles’s game to another level once she returns.
Azzi Fudd: Efficiency Is Keeping Her In The ROTY Conversation
The Dallas Wings drafted Fudd with the first overall pick, hoping she emerges as the franchise’s next star player. The idea of pairing her with Paige Bueckers, who she won a national championship while attending UConn, was just too tempting to pass up. She has fulfilled preseason expectations, and has stepped into her role admirably.
The Wings are currently in the middle of the pack in the Western Conference, and the team has noticeably improved from last season, thanks to Fudd’s contributions. Now that she has gained the trust of head coach Jose Fernandez, she is given more freedom to find her shot. If it wasn’t for the spectacular play of Miles, Fudd would be leading the pack, but not all hope is lost.
She will have her work cut out as she will have to increase her scoring average and maybe have a few games with large scoring totals just to catch up with Miles, and to get the voters attention.
Lauren Betts: Limited Minutes, Unlimited Potential
When comparing rookie frontcourt players, Mystics rookie Betts has been remarkable. Whenever she has had the opportunity, she has made the most out of her chances to contribute. It will be a challenge for her to persuade voters, or even catch up to Miles and Fudd as long as she is in a reserve role coming off the bench.
With Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen and Michaela Onyenwere occupying the starting frontcourt, it’s been a challenge for Betts to get enough meaningful minutes for her to impact the race, but she has shown flashes of what she could become. If the former Big Ten Player of the Year can earn a bigger role and increase her scoring average, it could help her at least gain some ground.
Her minutes have increased as the season has progressed, and has shown gradual improvement in her production, but she will definitely need more minutes to challenge the two frontrunners.
Flau’Jae Johnson: A Darkhouse Candidate Worth Mentioning
Due to her ability to impact the game on both ends, Seattle Storm rookie
Johnson emerges as a dark horse candidate for ROTY. She doesn’t possess the scoring prowess of Miles or Fudd, but she will contribute statistically across the board. Her relentless motor on defense leads to turnovers as she excels at turning defense into offense.
She is thriving despite the lower expectations that were attached to her during the draft process, and has quietly proved the doubters wrong. No other rookie has outperformed their projected level of play more than Johnson has, and that alone should allow her to be included in the conversation.
This is Miles’s award to lose for the moment. There is still hope for the other candidates, but they have a lot of ground to make up. To help Fudd’s case, it would help if she performs well against the Lynx in their two remaining regular season games. Head-to-head matchups could sway the vote if she dominates. If Betts can consistently earn her way into the starting lineup, she could gain some ground. Johnson’s chances depends on her improvement through the rest of the regular season. Can she gain enough trust to be given a bigger offensive role? All of these rookies have been outstanding, but Miles is ahead of the field, for now.
