The CBS Sports WNBA Rookie Rankings have seen significant movement this week, with Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor ascending to the No. 2 position and displacing Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd and Seattle Storm guard Flau’jae Johnson, who had been tied for the spot in July. New York Liberty forward Pauline Astier has also returned to the top five rankings after a series of efficient performances. Minnesota Lynx point guard Olivia Miles maintains her commanding position at No. 1, continuing to distance herself from the competition.
Taylor earned her ranking jump following standout performances against playoff contenders. On July 22, she scored 31 points in a close 95-94 loss to New York, and on Aug. 1, she recorded 29 points to lead Chicago to an 84-83 victory over Las Vegas, including a last-second three-pointer that clinched the game. Taylor currently averages 2.1 three-pointers per game, tying her for 10th in the league in that category. However, a groin injury suffered during a recent game against Phoenix has left her status uncertain as she is listed day-to-day.
Astier has proven instrumental for the Liberty’s depth, recently becoming the franchise’s first rookie to reach 300 points and 100 assists. She recorded 19 points on efficient 8-of-12 shooting in 21 minutes against Las Vegas on July 30, and followed that with 12 points in 23 minutes against Seattle while shooting 4 of 5 from the field. Her 13th game shooting 60 percent or better demonstrates consistent efficiency despite the team’s demanding travel schedule.
Miles continues to lead the rookie class with impressive statistics and accolades. She averaged 19.7 points and 5.6 assists per game and recorded her 13th game with 20 or more points during Minnesota’s 108-100 victory over Indiana on Aug. 2, where she scored 28 points. The Lynx are currently on a 10-game winning streak, their first such streak in a decade, with Miles playing a key role in their success.
Other notable rookies include Johnson, who scored 25 points on 8-of-15 shooting against New York, and Fudd, who became the first WNBA rookie to win the All-Star three-point shooting contest and has set a franchise record with 61 three-pointers made this season.
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