Injury cloud hangs over WNBA rookie race as Olivia Miles challenges for MVP
CBS Sports has revised its rookie rankings, with Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles emerging as the leading MVP candidate despite a recent ankle injury, while Dallas Wings star Azzi Fudd exits the list following season-ending knee surgery.
The latest update to the WNBA rookie rankings from CBS Sports reflects a turbulent period for the class of 2027, with injuries reshaping the competitive landscape. Minnesota Lynx guard Olivia Miles has solidified her position as the primary contender for the Most Valuable Player award, moving into third place for most points scored by a rookie in WNBA history.
Miles, who is averaging 19.9 points per game, surpassed the career marks of Paige Bueckers and A'ja Wilson to reach 676 points. She is currently second in MVP odds behind Wilson, with a +1000 price at FanDuel. Her trajectory suggests she is on track to challenge Caitlin Clark’s rookie scoring record of 769 points, a feat made more plausible by the fact that the Lynx have already clinched a postseason spot, leaving Miles with seven regular-season games and playoff action ahead.
However, the MVP race faces uncertainty after Miles appeared to injure her ankle during the Lynx’s 77-66 victory over the Golden State Valkyries on Wednesday. The incident occurred when she stepped on the foot of teammate Napheesa Collier while defending a pass. While the severity of the injury is not yet known, it raises questions about her availability for the remainder of the season.
At the other end of the rankings, Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd has exited the list entirely. Fudd announced on Wednesday that she will undergo arthroscopic surgery on her right knee, ending her season after her last appearance on 5 August. She finishes the year averaging 13.1 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Fudd also made history as the first rookie to win the WNBA 3-point shooting contest during All-Star weekend.
Other notable rookies remain in the rankings despite their own physical setbacks. Kiki Rice has returned to the list after missing time with a left ankle sprain, playing in 19 of 35 games this season. Rice recently scored 19 points against Washington, and coach Sandy Brondello has labelled her a "franchise player" for the team, despite a 12-game losing streak since her return.
Flau'jae Johnson also retains her position in the rankings following a return from a left ankle sprain. Although her shooting was inefficient in her first game back against Chicago, she contributed with four rebounds, six assists, a steal, and two blocks, officially reaching 100 career assists. Johnson is a key component of Seattle’s "three towers" frontcourt, alongside Ezi Magbegor and Dominique Malonga.
Sydney Taylor remains in the top five despite missing five consecutive games due to a left groin injury. Her return against the Liberty on 18 August was limited to 17 minutes, in which she scored nine points. The rankings acknowledge the difficulty of evaluating players who are coming back from injury, balancing their pre-injury form with their current availability.
