Fever star Sophie Cunningham leaves no doubt on Rookie of the Year pick

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Fever star Sophie Cunningham leaves no doubt on Rookie of the Year pick

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Jun 17, 2026 8:05 PM ET

Sophie Cunningham has been very supportive of Indiana Fever rookie Raven Johnson’s transition into the WNBA. Cunningham is a veteran leader on the squad, and she’s done what she can to help the young guard acclimate to life in the pros.

Johnson has played quality minutes off the bench for head coach Stephanie White. In 14 games played thus far, the former South Carolina Gamecocks star has averaged 4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 13.1 minutes per game. Johnson, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, has also excelled on the defensive side of the ball.

Despite Johnson’s considerable progress, however, Cunningham knows full well that she has no chance of challenging Olivia Miles of the Minnesota Lynx for the Rookie of the Year title.

Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson (3) in the second half against the Golden State Valkyries.

Indiana Fever: Sophie Cunningham picks Olivia Miles for Rookie of the Year

The WNBA season hasn’t even reached the halfway mark, but already, Cunningham has her pick for this season’s Rookie of the Year. That honor belongs to Miles, who the Lynx scooped up as the No. 2 overall pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft.

On Monday’s episode of her “Show Me Something” podcast, Cunningham made it very clear why she believes Miles will bring home the ROTY trophy.

“She’s going to get Rookie of the Year,” Cunningham declared. “… She is a beast. Olivia Miles is a baller.

“… She just has the wiggle of a guy. She is so good. Her passing, her shooting, her court vision—she is good. Good, good. I like her.”

Cunningham also stated that she doesn’t mind praising her opponents, especially in the case of Miles.

“I know people think it’s weird when you compliment other people in our league because you have to play against them,” the Fever star continued. “But give this girl her flowers. She is a freaking beast. I’m a fan.

“… Our sport is always just about going against each other. But I think it is cool to give people their flowers. Olivia 100 percent deserves it because she is putting the whole league on notice right now. Huge fan.”

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Cunningham and the Fever have not had the chance to play against Miles and the Lynx this season. Their first matchup is scheduled for August 2, when Indiana travels to Minnesota to face the Lynx.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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