WNBA Rookie Rankings: Pauline Astier and Olivia Miles dazzle early, Azzi Fudd unranked amid slow start
The 2026 WNBA rookie class has shown unexpected performances in the early weeks of the season. While Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, has struggled, players like Olivia Miles and Pauline Astier have impressed. Gabriela Jaquez and Madina Okot are also making significant contributions to their teams.
- ▪Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, has had a slow start, averaging only 7.7 points per game.
- ▪Olivia Miles and Pauline Astier have emerged as standout rookies early in the season.
- ▪Gabriela Jaquez scored a career-high 20 points in a recent game for the Chicago Sky.
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WNBA Rookie Rankings: Pauline Astier and Olivia Miles dazzle early, Azzi Fudd unranked amid slow start The first two weeks of play have been full of surprises from the rookie class By Isabel Gonzalez May 20, 2026 at 12:55 pm ET • 6 min read CBS Sports design The 2026 WNBA rookie class has been full of surprises during the first two weeks of play. While all eyes were on No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd heading into the season, Olivia Miles, who was picked No. 2 by the Minnesota Lynx, and Pauline Astier, an undrafted 24-year-old from France who plays for the New York Liberty, have made the best first impressions.The expectations were high for Fudd as the last four No. 1 overall picks -- Rhyne Howard, Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark and Bueckers -- lived up to the hype and won Rookie of the Year.
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