Olivia Miles and the 5 high WNBA rookies on the All-Star break, ranked

It’s nearly time for the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and that additionally means it’s time to rank the best-performing WNBA rookies up to now.

The draft class’s high picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, however there have been a couple of shock gamers within the combine for high performers, too.

Right here’s the place issues stand getting into the midpoint of the season.

1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx

Olivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 general choose is a legit MVP candidate, and she or he’s the most important motive why the Lynx have been nearly as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 factors on 50.1% capturing, together with 36.2% from three. She’s additionally tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per recreation, whereas powering the Lynx to the league’s greatest document. She’s the one participant in WNBA historical past to hit all three marks (19.6 factors, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.

2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings

As a result of Azzi Fudd was drafted earlier than Olivia Miles, her personal success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s level guard. However make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she or he’s match completely alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 factors on 45.2% from the sphere and 38.8% from exterior the arc, whereas establishing herself as considered one of Dallas’s high defenders.

3. Awa Fam, Seattle Storm

Awa Fam has been distinctive in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the 2 have fashioned a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 factors and 5.8 rebounds per recreation (most amongst rookies). She’s additionally capturing 36.4% from past the arc on 4 makes an attempt.

4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky

Sydney Taylor has been a vibrant spot in what’s been an in any other case tough Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and one way or the other, she’s established herself as probably the greatest rookies within the class.

Taylor is the third-leading scorer amongst rookies — averaging 13.5 factors per recreation on 45.2% capturing, whereas hitting 33.1% from past the arc. Probably the most spectacular half? She’s doing it in simply 19.8 minutes per recreation.

5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm

Flau’jae Johnson was chosen seventh general by the Golden State Valkyries, solely to be traded on draft evening for Marta Suarez, who was later lower. The Valkyries have had an awesome second season, however the Johnson commerce might find yourself residing in infamy. The previous LSU star took a couple of weeks to search out her rhythm, however she’s now the second-leading scorer amongst rookies and an integral a part of the Storm’s younger core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 factors, 5.3 rebounds, and a couple of.9 assists per recreation. She erupted for 26 factors on 7-for-11 area objectives in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday.