The WNBA Draft is just around the corner, and the buzz is all about TCU’s Olivia Miles. But here’s where it gets exciting: Las Vegas Aces star Chelsea Gray is showering Miles with praise, seeing a reflection of her own playmaking genius in the rising talent. Could Miles be the next big thing? Let’s dive in.
The WNBA Draft Lottery has set the stage, with the Dallas Wings securing the top pick once again, followed by Minnesota, Seattle, Washington, and Chicago. Yet, all eyes are now on Olivia Miles, whose breakout senior year at TCU has been nothing short of spectacular. In an exclusive interview with EssentiallySports, Chelsea Gray didn’t hold back her admiration for Miles’ game, particularly her court vision and passing artistry.
And this is the part most people miss: Gray highlighted how Miles’ ability to anticipate plays and execute deceptive passes mirrors her own style. ‘I definitely see some of my game in her,’ Gray noted, praising Miles’ knack for creating opportunities that go beyond just scoring. ‘It’s such an art form,’ she added, emphasizing the rarity of such skills in the game today.
Miles’ journey to this point is equally impressive. After overcoming an ACL injury, she’s shattered records at TCU, including a triple-double that marked the program’s first in 14 years. Her senior-year stats—17.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game—are eerily similar to Gray’s own numbers during her senior year at Duke. No wonder Gray sees a piece of herself in Miles.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While Miles’ draft stock soars, the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations could delay her entry into the league. Chelsea Gray, a vocal advocate for player rights, shared her thoughts on the proposed salary structure. ‘We just want a salary system based on the revenue we generate,’ she stated, calling for fair compensation and improved working conditions. The WNBA’s current proposal, which includes a revenue-sharing model, has been criticized for falling short of players’ expectations, with reports suggesting players would receive less than 15% of total revenue.
This raises a thought-provoking question: Are WNBA players being undervalued despite their growing impact on the league’s success? Gray’s stance on retirement benefits and facility upgrades further underscores the need for systemic change. As negotiations continue, the future of stars like Olivia Miles hangs in the balance.
So, what do you think? Is the WNBA doing enough to support its players, or is there still a long way to go? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments below!
