It’s just about time for the WNBA All-Star Weekend, and that also means it’s time to rank the best-performing WNBA rookies so far.
The draft class’s top picks — Azzi Fudd (No. 2), Olivia Miles (No. 2) and Awa Fam (No. 3) have all excelled, but there have been a few surprise players in the mix for top performers, too.
Here’s where things stand entering the midpoint of the season.
1. Olivia Miles, Minnesota Lynx
Olivia Miles has been a revelation. The No. 2 overall pick is a legitimate MVP candidate, and she’s the biggest reason why the Lynx have been as good as they’ve been this season. Miles is averaging 19.6 points on 50.1% shooting, including 36.2% from three. She’s also tallying 6 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game, while powering the Lynx to the league’s best record. She’s the only player in WNBA history to hit all three marks (19.6 points, 6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds) in a single season.
2. Azzi Fudd, Dallas Wings
Because Azzi Fudd was drafted before Olivia Miles, her own success has been a bit overshadowed by the Lynx’s point guard. But make no mistake about it: Fudd is having a terrific rookie season in Dallas, and she’s fit perfectly alongside former UConn backcourtmate Paige Bueckers. Fudd is averaging 13.5 points on 45.2% from the field and 38.8% from outside the arc, while establishing herself as one of Dallas’s top defenders.
3. Awa Fam, Seattle Storm
Awa Fam has been exceptional in her age-20 season. Fam shares the frontcourt with Dominique Malonga, and the two have formed a formidable pairing. Fam is averaging 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game (most among rookies). She’s also shooting 36.4% from beyond the arc on 4 attempts.
4. Sydney Taylor, Chicago Sky
Sydney Taylor has been a bright spot in what’s been an otherwise difficult Chicago Sky season. Taylor went undrafted, and somehow, she’s established herself as one of the best rookies in the class.
Taylor is the third-leading scorer among rookies — averaging 13.5 points per game on 45.2% shooting, while hitting 33.1% from beyond the arc. The most impressive part? She’s doing it in just 19.8 minutes per game.
5. Flau’jae Johnson, Seattle Storm
Flau’jae Johnson was selected 7th overall by the Golden State Valkyries, only to be traded on draft night for Marta Suarez, who was later cut. The Valkyries have had a great second season, but the Johnson trade could end up living in infamy. The former LSU star took a few weeks to find her rhythm, but she’s now the second-leading scorer among rookies and an integral part of the Storm’s young core. Johnson is averaging 13.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game. She erupted for 26 points on 7-for-11 field goals in a 105-102 loss to the Lynx on Monday.
