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Minnesota Lynx's surprising draft choice could be the hero they desperately need

This might not be a gap year after all.
ByAlexander Cowles|
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert poses for photos with second overall pick Olivia Miles. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert poses for photos with second overall pick Olivia Miles. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

It's hard to know exactly what's in the cards for the Minnesota Lynx this season. After multiple promising seasons ended in postseason heartbreak, a historic offseason saw the Lynx lose two starters, co-DPOTY Alanna Smith and glue gal Bridget Carleton, along with some key role players. With reports that star player Napheesa Collier will be sidelined until early June, this Lynx team is going to look very different. 

The Lynx owned the Sky’s No. 2 pick. With all the players leaving in free agency, they have to make it count. Considering they only have their starting point guard and shooting guard ready to play, all signs pointed to Cheryl Reeve selecting a big. Lauren Betts dominated March Madness, and Awa Fam looks incredibly promising. Surprisingly, Reeve passed on both and selected Texas Christian University point guard Olivia Miles.

Miles might be the hero Minnesota needs

The positional fit isn’t too worrying. Yes, they already have a starting point guard in Courtney Williams, but she’s a more natural scorer than playmaker and could easily slide up to play shooting guard. A reliable true point guard could be the thing this team needs to stop struggling when the lights are bright. The frontcourt deficit could be solved by returning Lynx vet Natasha Howard and promising international recruits.  

Miles made her debut in a Lynx jersey this preseason, and she looked… pretty good! Her stats weren’t spectacular, but point guards have the most difficult learning curve in the transition to the pros. The eye test is more important in the preseason, and there were definitely positive signs. Her exceptional court vision is obvious, and there already seems to be budding chemistry with her new teammates. Coach Reeve has praised her willingness to learn and develop her skills

Most importantly, she displayed a commitment to defense in this preseason. Her defensive skills are her biggest concern as a prospect. She consistently struggled on the defensive end in college, and naysayers questioned her ability to overcome this on the professional level. That said, she’s probably the best offensive player in the draft, and if she can be even a competent defender, Minnesota has a really special player. 

Repeating the regular season dominance of last season may be a tall order, but there's a reason Cheryl Reeve is one of the longest tenured coaches in professional sports. With her at the reins, the Lynx might be able to shock the WNBA, and Olivia Miles might be just the player they need for a sneakily successful season. 

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