!['It's Common Sense' -- ESPN Legend Scoffs at Olivia Miles MVP Buzz, Rips Media's 'Anyone but Caitlin [Clark]' Agenda](https://statico.profootballnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/20091837/it-common-sense-espn-legend-08-20-26.png "'It's Common Sense' -- ESPN Legend Scoffs at Olivia Miles MVP Buzz, Rips Media's 'Anyone but Caitlin [Clark]' Agenda")
Caitlin Clark remains the standard in the WNBA, but All-Star guard Olivia Miles has put together a terrific rookie campaign of her own that rivals the benchmark set by her predecessor. But as Miles’ accolades continue to stack up and the MVP buzz reaches a fever pitch, it exposes a persistent “Anyone but Clark” narrative in the league.
Despite Clark’s historic numbers and influence, she is often overlooked when it comes to awards, with critics pushing alternative stars into the middle of the league’s most prestigious individual-glory conversation.
Linda Cohn Shuts Down Olivia Miles MVP Buzz, Slams the ‘Anyone but Caitlin Clark’ Agenda
On “The Linda Cohn Show”, Hall of Fame sportscaster Linda Cohn tackled the MVP hype surrounding Miles head-on while ripping the manufactured narrative around Clark.
While Cohn acknowledged the brilliance of the Lynx’s rookies, the former ESPN anchor offered a sharp critique of the hype surrounding Miles for the Most Valuable Player award.
“Napheesa Collier was hurt. She’s back, and Minnesota is another title contender. There is no question about it,” stated Cohn. “Everybody wants to get excited for Olivia Miles, as they should. She will win Rookie of the Year. That’s fine. She’s not winning MVP.”
She added, “Why do people have to go out of their way to just create some, as I mentioned, some kind of narrative? I know I sound like a broken record, it’s common sense.”
“Anyone but Caitlin” for MVP narrative continues in the WNBA. pic.twitter.com/UbkmASM2zw
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) August 20, 2026
Through 35 appearances, Miles is averaging 19.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 1.2 steals while shooting 50.3% from the field and 40.7% from three.
With star forward Napheesa Collier’s comeback after missing the first half of the season due to injuries, the Lynx’s bench depth has been further elevated. However, the franchise faces another obstacle after Miles was seen limping in pain during their last game.
In the Lynx’s 77-66 win over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday, Miles, who posted 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists in 30 minutes, twisted her left ankle after stepping on Collier’s foot and was escorted to the locker room.
As the Rookie of the Year frontrunner faces an extended spell on the sidelines, Cohn’s core argument stands: elite rookie stats with a top-tier team shouldn’t distort MVP logic. While rewarding Miles with Rookie of the Year honors recognizes her impact and skill, she believes that naming her the WNBA MVP over proven superstars just seems like a forced plot.
The Lynx are currently leading the WNBA standings with a 30-7 record and are on a five-game winning streak. For their next road game, they will travel to Washington on Friday.
