In a remarkable endorsement for the future of the WNBA, Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles has drawn high praise from legendary player Diana Taurasi. During a recent episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, Taurasi discussed Miles, emphasizing her exceptional talent and potential as a rising star in the league.
Taurasi remarked, “Olivia Miles is a special talent. I think she was a little under the radar because she did leave Notre Dame and she went to TCU, which was a little bit of a smaller school, but this kid is doing stuff… She has Kyrie [Irving]-like handles. She can shoot the basketball. She can get in the lane. And I always said if you can shoot and you can pass, you can play forever.” This comparison to Kyrie Irving, a player often celebrated for his elite ball-handling skills, speaks volumes about Miles' capabilities on the court.
Bill Simmons, the podcast host, echoed Taurasi's sentiments, noting that Miles' style of play is reminiscent of Irving's. He stated, “You can see it how she’s defended, which I think is always a good litmus test of how good somebody is. She has a head of steam and the people are going backwards, and she has everybody on a rope.” Simmons highlighted a specific move that both players share, illustrating Miles’ advanced skill set.
In the current 2026 WNBA season, Miles has been making a significant impact. Averaging 19.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, her performance has not only earned her an All-Star selection but also positioned her as a frontrunner for the Rookie of the Year award. The Lynx, who selected Miles with the second overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, have benefited immensely from her contributions, currently boasting the league's best record at 31-9 and emerging as strong contenders for the championship.
Taurasi further elaborated on the advantages Miles has, stating, “They have everything, roster-wise. I mean, what an incredible opportunity for her to be on a team that is expected to win a championship.” With a solid coaching staff and a talented roster, Miles is in an ideal situation to thrive and potentially dominate the league for the next decade.
While the spotlight has often been on other collegiate stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, Miles is positioning herself as a formidable competitor who could lead her team to championships. The narrative surrounding her is shifting, and she is quickly becoming a player to watch in the WNBA.
On the topic of Kyrie Irving, who has been sidelined since suffering an ACL tear in March 2025, there are hopes for his return next season. Recent workouts with players like Michael Porter Jr. have shown that Irving is making strides in his recovery, raising expectations for his performance when he returns to the court.
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