Luka Dončić's Draft Slip Echoes in WNBA Rookie Olivia Miles' Dominant Season

Luka Dončić's draft slip in 2018 has a new parallel in the WNBA, where Olivia Miles is dominating in her rookie season with the Minnesota Lynx.

What happened?

Olivia Miles, the Minnesota Lynx's No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, is averaging 19.6 points per game, ranking eighth in the league, alongside 6.0 assists, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals while shooting 50.1% from the field and 36.2% from 3-point range. Miles' impressive performance has led to comparisons with Luka Dončić's draft slip in 2018, where the Atlanta Hawks selected him with the No. 3 pick before trading him to the Dallas Mavericks.

Why it matters for Luka Dončić

Bill Simmons, a prominent analyst, has echoed the sentiment, stating that Miles' draft position was "as stupid and indefensible as Luka falling to 3" in 2018. Simmons' parallel highlights the significance of the draft decision, as Miles' performance has been a major factor in the Lynx's success, with the team sitting atop the league standings with a 21-6 record.

What comes next?

The Dallas Wings, who drafted Azzi Fudd at No. 1 overall, are having a great season as well, boasting the WNBA's fourth-best record. However, Fudd's numbers pale in comparison to Miles', who is considered a lock for the WNBA's Rookie of the Year award. The contrast between the two players will be a topic of discussion for the remainder of their careers, as they went back-to-back in the WNBA draft.

The Wings' decision to pass on Miles has been met with criticism, with Simmons stating that she "should have gone first." Miles' impressive performance has made her a household name, and it remains to be seen if Fudd can close the gap. The rivalry between the two players will be a key storyline in the WNBA for years to come.

Category: player_focus