Overview
- Pauline Astier has emerged as the top rookie scorer and is ranked No. 1 in an initial CBS Sports rookie list after supplying efficient offense for the New York Liberty while Sabrina Ionescu rehabs.
- Olivia Miles has produced historic play for the Minnesota Lynx, posting at least 30 points and 15 assists across her first two games and ranking high in early Rookie of the Year conversation.
- Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick, has had a slow start, came off the bench in her debut, missed a game with a knee issue, and is averaging modest numbers through the early schedule.
- Jovana Nogić has delivered breakout scoring for the Phoenix Mercury, including a 27-point outing that set a WNBA mark for most points by an undrafted rookie, while other international signees such as María Conde and Laura Juškaitė have also contributed for Toronto.
- No undrafted or international player has ever won Rookie of the Year and these developments come from a small sample of early-season games, so returning veterans and shifting rotations could alter roles and the award race as the season progresses.