Conversations about the best rookies in the WNBA tend to spark thoughts and opinions on the top draft picks—and with good reason. The number one pick was named Rookie of the Year for four years in a row, and if they had challengers, it was another high draft pick. Last year, for example, Sonia Citron, the third overall pick in 2025, was the only player other than Paige Bueckers to receive Rookie of the Year attention.
So, Olivia Miles and Azzi Fudd entered this season as two of the favorites for the award. Miles played a great first game, setting herself apart from other top picks in this year’s draft, but she wasn’t the only rookie who excelled in her WNBA debut. Jovana Nogić was excellent for the Phoenix Mercury as they embarrassed the Las Vegas Aces on ring night.
Miles topped all other first-round picks with her regular-season debut
Miles started for the Minnesota Lynx in her regular-season debut and impressed immediately. She recorded 21 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 34 minutes on the court. She was making things happen offensively for her short-handed team and seemed much more locked in on defense than in her college career.
It was by far the most impressive debut among first-round picks, although some others put together solid games. Gabriela Jaquez recorded 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals for the Chicago Sky, and Flau’jae Johnson finished her debut with 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Madina Okot didn’t get nearly as much run as the other two, but made the most of her time on the court, putting up 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal in just 10 minutes. Likewise, Gianna Kneepkens recorded 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 assist in 13 minutes for the Connecticut Sun.
The other first-round picks were relatively quiet. Azzi Fudd and Raven Johnson both came off the bench in the much-anticipated clash between the Dallas Wings and Indiana Fever. Fudd hit a 3-pointer, grabbed a rebound, and got one steal in 18 minutes on the court. Johnson recorded 4 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal in 12 minutes.
Lauren Betts, Angela Dugalic, and Kiki Rice met in a matchup between the Toronto Tempo and Washington Mystics. Dugalic was the only one who scored, putting up 2 points. They combined for 10 rebounds, though.
Jovana Nogic isn’t a typical rookie
Nogic didn’t look like most of these other rookies in her first WNBA game. She looked comfortable, composed, and ready to do damage because she’s not a typical rookie. The 28-year-old has been playing professionally for years and has found a ton of success in the top Russian competition.
She scored 19 points, including four 3-pointers, dished out 4 assists, and recorded 2 steals in just 21 minutes for the Mercury. With Satou Sabally gone, Monique Akoa Makani still playing overseas, and Valeriane Ayayi awaiting FIBA clearance to play, Nogic has to play a big role for the Mercury. If she can continue to deliver and help the Mercury win, she will be firmly established as one of the best rookies in the league although she may not get a ton of votes for Rookie of the Year because of her experience.
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