Lynx star Napheesa Collier returns to team practice activities
Lynx star Napheesa Collier: 'The goal is to win a championship'
Napheesa Collier and Dorka Juhasz spoke after the Minnesota Lynx practiced on Wednesday at Mayo Clinic Square. Collier has been practicing with the team, and it appears her return to the court is soon after having offseason surgery on both of her ankles. Without Collier, the Lynx still have the WNBA's best record at 15-4.
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - The Minnesota Lynx are the best team in the WNBA at 15-4, and their best player has yet to see the court this season.
That could change sooner rather than later.
Napheesa Collier returns to practice
What we know:
The Lynx announced Wednesday that after undergoing surgeries on both of her ankles, Collier has returned to team activities at practice. She continues to progress as expected.
What we don't know:
The Lynx will provide more updates on her status when they become available. There is no timetable for her return to game action. Collier spoke after Wednesday's practice at Mayo Clinic Square about her goals for the season, now that her return seems imminent.
"For me it’s the same goal every year, to win a championship. Our team has done so well, and that creates even more FOMO (fear of missing out). I want to be out there celebrating with them, so it’s been really fun to watch," Collier said. "The goal we come in with every season is to win a championship, and I feel like we have the pieces to do that. Hitting the ground running, making sure we’re fitting in well with the team, that we’re adding to them, that we’re giving them a boost when they’re already doing so well during the season."
Without Collier, the Lynx are 15-4, largely due to the play of rookie guard Olivia Miles. The No. 2 overall pick, Miles has played in every game, logging more than 30 minutes per game and averaging 18.7 points, 5.7 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.
Miles was the WNBA Rookie of the Month for June, and is a favorite to win WNBA Rookie of the Year. She’s also put herself in the conversation for WNBA MVP.
Napheesa Collier injury
The backstory:
Collier suffered a left ankle injury going after a loose ball during the WNBA Playoff Semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury. Collier had to have offseason surgery on both ankles, and was projected to be out until at least early June.
In her end-of-season news conference, Collier went off on the league over player salaries, and inconsistent officiating across the league that she feels leads to player injuries.
According to multiple reports, Collier re-signed with the Lynx for the super max value of $1.4 million.
What's next:
The Lynx are back on the court on Friday, July 3, at the New York Liberty.