The Minnesota Lynx are gearing up for what promises to be an exciting 2025 season following a year full of highs and lows. Fans are eagerly anticipating how the team will build upon the momentum established last season, where they made it to the WNBA Finals only to fall short against the New York Liberty. The offseason is now well underway, and as the Lynx see key dates on the calendar, such as free agency kicking off mid-January and the WNBA Draft scheduled for April, all eyes are on player performance overseas and how it might impact the upcoming season.
Currently, the Lynx have 12 players under team control who are actively playing overseas or participating locally during the offseason. Among these players are standout stars like Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride, who are pivotal to the Lynx's strategies moving forward.
Collier, the star forward, is one of the leaders of the team both on and off the court. Coming off of her impressive season where she earned Defensive Player of the Year honors, Collier's commitment continues to inspire her teammates. She is also co-founding the new Unrivaled league, which is set to begin play soon. This innovative league features 3-on-3 competitions and is generating buzz among fans.
Kayla McBride, alongside Collier, will also participate in the Unrivaled league, which promises to sharpen their skills before the WNBA season begins. Having contributed significantly to the Lynx's success last year, McBride’s experience will be key as the team enters 2025.
Meanwhile, newcomer Courtney Williams, who made her mark last season, is also involved with the Unrivaled league and is expected to bring even more depth and versatility to the Lynx's lineup.
Other notable Lynx players are competing overseas, showcasing their talents on international platforms. For example, Bridget Carleton is currently playing with ÇBK Mersin in Turkey, where she has started strong, averaging 7.0 points and 5.0 rebounds per game. Her playing time has increased significantly since transitioning from UNI Györ, reflecting her growing impact on the court.
Alanna Smith, playing with Shandong in China, continues to assert herself with averages of 15.4 points and 10.1 rebounds. Although Smith experienced mixed performances last week, she has consistently shown her ability to contribute to her team's success.
Dorka Juhász, who plays for Famila Schio, has had her minutes increase recently which is promising as she prepares for her third WNBA season. Despite not playing last week, her experience gained overseas is invaluable.
Diamond Miller has shown resilience after suffering from injuries last season. Now playing with Gorzow Wielkopolski in Poland, Miller is performing strongly with averages of 17.3 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, indicating her readiness to make significant contributions once the WNBA begins.
Natisha Hiedeman is making waves in China with Inner Mongolia, maintaining solid all-around stats as she heads toward free agency. With her leadership and previous experience on the court, her performance this season could influence the Lynx's recruitment plans.
Myisha Hines-Allen is also thriving, consistently putting up formidable numbers with Heilongjiang, showcasing her scoring prowess with nearly 24 points per game, alongside her rebounding ability.
Jessica Shepard, currently with Athinaikos AS Vurona in Greece, is impressing with superb averages; she commands attention with her 30 points and 14 rebounds per game. Despite not hitting the court recently due to contractual obligations, her talent remains unquestionable.
Lastly, Maïa Hirsch continues to adjust to her rookie year, averaging 3.0 points per game during her time with ESB Villeneuve. Her experience gained will no doubt add depth to the Lynx's options moving forward.
While the players are performing overseas, the new Unrivaled league, co-founded by Collier, presents exciting opportunities for the Lynx stars to engage with fans and participate in high-caliber competition. This league kicks off its inaugural season on January 17, attracting attention as one of the first significant professional women's leagues coming out of Minnesota this year.
Overall, the countdown to the Lynx's 2025 season has officially begun. With players honing their skills across various leagues and exciting opportunities on the horizon, it seems more than likely the Lynx are primed not just to compete but to make another deep playoff run.