The most effective crew within the WNBA is about to get even higher.
On Wednesday, Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier will make her season debut, per The Athletic’s Annie Costabile, in her crew’s ultimate sport earlier than the 2026 All-Star break on the Seattle Storm (6-22) after present process a pair of offseason ankle surgical procedures. Minnesota entered Wednesday with a 21-6 file, main the WNBA standings by two video games.
A five-time All-Star, Collier averaged 21.6 factors per sport on 50.1 % taking pictures whereas including 8.5 rebounds, three assists, 1.7 steals and 1.4 blocks from 2023-25 and completed as MVP runner-up to Las Vegas Aces heart A’ja Wilson the previous two seasons whereas incomes Defensive Participant of the Yr honors in 2024.
Minnesota Lynx ahead Napheesa Collier set to make season debut in opposition to Seattle Storm
Whereas it is unclear how massive a job Collier may have in her return, Costabile reported she “will presumably be on a minutes restriction” whereas additionally noting the seven-year veteran “has by no means come off the bench in her WNBA profession.”
If she begins instantly, Collier would doubtless substitute ahead Nia Coffey, who has began each sport this season and is taking pictures 38.8 % from past the arc. Because of a formidable crew round her, Collier will not have the carry the Lynx, as a substitute having the luxurious of being eased again into an A1 position.
One fascinating improvement might be how rapidly Collier and estimated Rookie of the Yr guard Olivia Miles type an on-court connection. Miles, the No. 2 general choose of the 2026 WNBA Draft, leads the Lynx with 19.6 factors and 5.9 assists per sport. She’s hardly seemed like a first-year participant this season, and if something, we would count on Collier’s return to make her job even simpler.
Earlier than the season started, expectations had been low for Minnesota, which not solely was with out Collier indefinitely but additionally misplaced key 2025 contributors Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman, Jessica Shepard and Alanna Smith within the offseason.
Somewhat than take a step again from final 12 months’s 34-10 file, nevertheless, the Lynx are effectively on their method to repeating that success and extra. Minnesota was 22-5 on the identical juncture final season, tied for the second-best 27-game begin in franchise historical past, however fell within the semifinals of the playoffs after dropping Collier to damage.
With almost a half-season to get into peak type earlier than the playoffs, Collier is coming again on the excellent time for Minnesota. Final season, her absence cratered the Lynx’s unimaginable marketing campaign. Lower than 12 months later, Collier’s return may herald a title run.
