Let's get one thing out of the way: right now, the heavy favorite for this year's WNBA MVP is absolutely A'ja Wilson, who has won the award four times in her career. Wilson has somehow found a way to keep performing at near career-high levels this season, has recorded double-digit points in every single game this season, and is averaging 26.3 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. She is actually performing better than everyone else in the league, which is appropriate for a player who many consider the face of the WNBA.
But there's been a little rookie-sized thorn in her side all season: Olivia Miles, who was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick by the Minnesota Lynx. Miles, who almost undoubtedly has Rookie of the Year on lock, has managed to do quite a few impressive things so far this season. She's emerged as one of the strongest players on a team of strong players, and managed to consistently impress Cheryl Reeve, who has a reputation of not usually trusting rookies too much too soon.
She's also just balling out: Miles is averaging 19.8 points and 6.1 assists so far this season. She leads rookies in points per game, and has been the engine that has pushed the Lynx to their 28-7 record.
If there is one player in the WNBA who might be able to wrestle Wilson's crown from her head, it's Miles. And if she manages to lock up Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, she'll repeat a feat that's been accomplished only one time 20 years ago, when Candace Parker ruled them all.
There are a few factors to consider here. First, Caitlin Clark has been putting in an MVP-level performance all season. She's scored in the double-digits in every game save two, and she's averaging 21.7 points on a 36.1% three-point percentage. On top of that, she's cut her turnover rate to 4.8 — the lowest average of her career. Paige Bueckers is also leading the Dallas Wings in a mighty way, averaging a career-high 20.2 points per game and 5.8 assists.
There's also the fact that this year's MVP will very likely be on the team that wins the WNBA Championship. That's not a hard and fast rule, but it's certainly an expectation. If the Lynx — who are ranked No. 1 in the league right now — pull it all off, Miles may well have a shot at accomplishing something many have attempted, and very, very few have succeeded at.
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