Lynx’s Olivia Miles earns head-turning claim from Kevin Garnett

Jun 22, 2026 - 04:00

If the WNBA handed out the Rookie of the Year award today, Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles would be the unanimous winner.

Miles, the No. 2 pick, has been nothing but sensational in her first campaign, proving that the hype is real. There were doubts that she might struggle in the league, especially with her high-usage style, but so far, she has shut them down.

The Lynx were upset by the Washington Mystics, 84-79, at Target Center on Sunday, but Miles once again balled out, tallying a game-high 22 points, five rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. She also kept Minnesota alive with her timely buckets.

The 23-year-old guard has caught the attention of many, including NBA legend Kevin Garnett, who issued a bold claim.

“Olivia Miles is one of the best rookies in ALL of basketball, @nba or @wnba,” said Garnett on X.

Of course, there was some bias in Garnett’s strong remark since he is an icon in Minnesota. But it was not an outlandish declaration.

Miles, who was a legend at Notre Dame and TCU, is averaging team-highs of 18.5 points and 5.6 assists on top of 4.9 rebounds and 1.4 steals. Despite only being 5’10,” she has anchored the Lynx’s offense with her speed, shooting, and fearlessness.

She has held down the fort without Minnesota forward Napheesa Collier, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Collier has heaped praise on her fast-rising teammate.

Miles has already set multiple milestones, including hitting eight three-pointers in a game to set a rookie record, and she is far from done.

Move over, KG. There’s a new big-ticket attraction in Minnesota.

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