After losing their first three games to start the season, the Minnesota Lynx need a resurgence. This will come in the form of 6’1 power forward Napheesa Collier. The Lynx have struggled in a few areas this year and when Collier returns these problems will be resolved in due time.
Depth
Starting almost immediately, it was apparent that the Lynx needed some more help in the frontcourt. Brittney Griner and Brianna Turner both scored double-doubles in the first game of the season against the Lynx. Minnesota tried to step up defensively to counter this and it led to Natalie Achonwa getting into foul trouble early which led to her fouling out.
In each of the three games so far, Minnesota has been outrebounded. While Breanna Stewart and Griner are great at what they do, if the Lynx were able to rotate a little more frequently, keeping their players fresh, rebounds would have come more easily.
With Aerial Powers now out indefinitely with a hamstring strain, it is important now more than ever for Collier to rejoin the team.
Not only is Collier a player that opponents need to focus on, but just as another body on the team, she could have helped out a lot in the last three games.
Chemistry
This team has a lot of new faces. Due to this, there is a lack of chemistry on the court. Kayla McBride joined the team just two days before the season opener against Phoenix. With very little time to see how she meshes with her teammates and learning Cheryl Reeve’s system, there were bound to be some problems.
Collier has proven to work well with teammates Crystal Dangerfield, Sylvia Fowles, and others. Plus she has two years in the Cheryl Reeve system. Although she has missed time while playing in France, she will need little time to get back in the groove.
Star Quality
With the likes of Fowles, Powers, and McBride, the Lynx are not lacking star-caliber players by any means. Collier is as good if not better than any of the aforementioned names. She can score, rebound, assist and play defense on an elite level. Adding Collier back in the lineup will absolutely take the team to a whole other level.
With her ability to lead the team, work cohesively with teammates, and add more depth to the roster. The return of Napheesa Collier will be a huge piece of the puzzle to turn this Minnesota Lynx season around.
For more articles relating to women’s sports, please visit Beyond Women’s Sports.
