The Minnesota Lynx selected Olivia Miles as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, and heading into the season, she was seen as one of the favorites for Rookie of the Year honors.
And over a month into the new campaign, the 23-year-old is already generating MVP chatter. After a historic first-half performance against the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night, former Milwaukee Bucks guard Brandon Jennings made a bold declaration about Miles’ chances this season.
Why Brandon Jennings Believes Lynx Rookie Olivia Miles Can Win WNBA MVP
Miles delivered one of the most impressive performances of her young WNBA career against a Los Angeles team missing Cameron Brink and Kelsey Plum, scoring a career-high 31 points in Minnesota’s 99-83 victory.
The rookie was nearly unstoppable in the first half, pouring in 24 points on 10-of-11 shooting from the field while adding 3 rebounds and 2 assists.
According to Underdog WNBA, Miles’ 24-point outburst marked the most points scored in a first half by a rookie in league history.
Jennings was clearly impressed. Reacting to Miles’ historic feat on X, the former NBA guard posted a bold prediction: “Rookie of the year & MVP.”
Rookie of the year & MVP https://t.co/V6X7LCBItO
— Brandon Jennings (@Tuff__Crowd) June 18, 2026
While Rookie of the Year has appeared to be Miles’ award to lose for much of the season, Jennings’ MVP claim would require the Lynx star to accomplish something far more historic in her first professional campaign.
Through 15 games, the Lynx rookie is averaging 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while shooting 56.6% from the field, 39.1% from 3-point range, and 91.0% from the free-throw line.
Miles has also played a major role in Minnesota’s impressive 12-3 start. The rookie has helped steady the Lynx during a period in which five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier has yet to suit up due to ankle surgery.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve recently praised the way Miles has settled into the professional game.
“That’s the thing we really ask for, is everybody gets to be themselves,” Reeve said. “Bring their authentic selves to the workspace.”
Rookie of the Year appears to be a realistic target for Miles, but if she continues producing performances as she did against the Sparks, the Lynx star could eventually force her way into the MVP conversation as well.
Established players such as Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson remain the favorites for the award, with the reigning MVP continuing to dominate the league as she has throughout this decade.
Miles will need something truly special over the remainder of the season to mount a genuine challenge and dethrone Wilson from the top of the MVP race.
