Caitlin Clark Gets Bypassed As Diana Taurasi Singles Out Olivia Miles As Special Talent

Caitlin Clark is having the best season of her career so far, despite a slow start due to injuries. Oftentimes, her name’s being thrown into the MVP debate for this season, and with Team USA gunning for their fifth straight gold in the FIBA Women’s World Cup, she’s expected to lead the pack. 

However, WNBA legend Diana Taurasi saw something more promising with Minnesota Lynx rookie Olivia Miles, who’s proving she’s more than worthy of being this year’s No. 2 overall pick, as she’s currently the runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year and has also gotten herself in the mix for the MVP race. 

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In her recent appearance on Bill Simmons’ podcast, the three-time WNBA champion was asked who “jumped out” to her out of the newest crop of talents in the league. 

“Olivia Miles is a special talent,” Taurasi said. “She was a little under the radar before she did leave Notre Dame and she went to TCU which was a little bit of a smaller school. This kid is doing stuff that, she has Kyrie-like handles. She can shoot the basketball, she can get in the lane.”

Taurasi’s observations have been on point, as the Lynx rookie is averaging 19.7 points and 6 assists in 30 minutes per game, helping the Lynx to a 31-9 record and a solo lead at the top of the pecking order.

This wasn’t the first time, though, that Taurasi has picked an up-and-coming talent over Clark, as in 2025, during her appearance on the “No Offseason” podcast, Taurasi also backed Paige Bueckers to be the best player in the WNBA. 

“Absolutely,” she said. “Paige’s instincts on the court are just incredible, and it takes a special skill and talent when you can galvanize a group of people. I’ve been around her long enough to know that once they get the right group around her, things will change because of her skill set and her ability to distribute and score.”

Despite not getting the seal of approval from the WNBA legend, Clark will be suiting up for her maiden FIBA Women’s World Cup debut on Friday and is expected to lead the charge for the Stars and Stripes. 

“That’s what you sign up for and what you dream of”: Caitlin Clark opens up on pressure and high expectations on her shoulders ahead of the World Cup

While Caitlin Clark might not be the clear-cut number one for Diana Taurasi, it’s something she’s not worried about, as she’s more concerned about keeping the opportunity she’s gotten over the past few years. 

Jun 22, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury forward Valeriane Ayayi (11) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

In her interview with FIBA ahead of the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin, Germany, Clark talked about how grateful she is to be in the position she’s in at the moment, as she knows there are a lot of people willing to fight for what she has. 

“How lucky am I? This is pretty special and pretty cool, and there’s so many people that would kill to be in this spot and have this type of opportunity,” Clark said. “Especially to play for the USA team, let alone play in the WNBA and live out your dream every single day. So I try to look at, look at it the other way and think about how lucky I am and how grateful I am.”

She added, “Sure, there are moments where it’s exhausting, and it’s a lot. There’s a lot of attention, but that’s what you sign up for, and that’s what you dream of.”

She may have missed out on the Olympic-winning squad in Paris two years ago, but she didn’t stop working and is now set to lead Team USA in their quest to win their fifth-straight gold medal in the quadrennial spectacle. 

 

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Jun 20, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Dream guard Allisha Gray (15) blocks a shot against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the fourth quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images

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