2021 WNBA Team Preview: Minnesota Lynx


From one historic season to another, the WNBA’s 25th season is set to tip off on May 14th. The league will commemorate the 25th season with the campaign “Count It” and a distinguishing and purposeful 25th season logo. The WNBA will also celebrate the ways its players have shattered expectations and have stood at the forefront of advancement, inclusion and social change for 25 years.

In leading up to the season, WNBA.com will break down each team in the league: up next, the Minnesota Lynx.

Coach of the Year in Cheryl Reeve. Rookie of the Year in 2020 second-round pick Crystal Dangerfield. All-Defensive Team Selection in Napheesa Collier. Minnesota fell to the eventual WNBA champion Storm in the semifinals last season, but it was still a year of success – and growth. And it all went a step further with a load of talent joining the Lynx during free agency to bolster a championship-caliber squad for 2021.

2020 Season Recap

  • Fell to eventual title winner Seattle in semifinals (3-0)
  • 14-8 regular season record; 4th in league

Notable Off-Season Moves

Note: As of May 7 and based off of training camp rosters

Some have argued Minnesota is no free agency destination. Reeve disproved that claim with the slew of talent and experience brought in during the 2020 free agency period.

The Lynx signed three-time All-Star Kayla McBride, former WNBA Champion Aerial Powers and veteran post player Natalie Achonwa. Reeve credits the recruitment success to a handful of positives within the franchise.

“We’ve got the best facilities of any team in the WNBA, and it’s not even close,” Reeve said. “We have the best owner in the WNBA. When we say it starts at the top, these are subtle things that are incredibly valuable.”

The Big Question Heading Into 2021?

How will the pieces fit and rotate in Minnesota’s system?

With pieces like Dangerfield, Collier, Rachel Banham and Damiris Dantas returning, plus a healthy Sylvia Fowles, to go along with the free agent additions, the Lynx have a solid mix. The guard unit will fare well, particularly in the backcourt. But with so many solid options, who fits best together? Who gobbles up the most minutes? And how will Reeve stagger and balance such a solid roster?

Draft Rating

Michelle Smith ranked every team’s draft decisions. Minnesota was rated 3rd out of the 12 WNBA teams’ picks.

“Snagging Rennia Davis at No. 9 when Davis, the Tennessee standout, was considered a top 3 pick heading into the draft means that the Lynx’s get a big wing and go into training camp without a lot of holes to fill.”

However, Davis suffered a stress fracture in her foot during the preseason and was ruled out indefinitely as of May 1.

Where to Watch

Minnesota will tip-off at Target Center in Minneapolis against Phoenix on Friday, May 14th at 9 pm/ET on CBS Sports Network.

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