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Lynx re-sign Erlana Larkins, add Kelsey Griffin

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 19: Head Coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx talks at Lindsay Whalen Post Game Tribute after the game against the Washington Mystics on August 19, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - AUGUST 19: Head Coach Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx talks at Lindsay Whalen Post Game Tribute after the game against the Washington Mystics on August 19, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

Roster update for the Lynx

A new face and a familiar face can be found on the Minnesota Lynx roster this season. Head coach and general manager Cheryl Reeve announced the return of free agent Erlana Larkins, a nine-year WNBA veteran, and the addition of Kelsey Griffin, who was originally drafted by the Lynx in 2010 and traded to the Connecticut Sun on draft night.

Larkins didn’t sign with Minnesota until mid-July of 2018, but she averaged 2.1 points per game on 44.4% shooting and 2.7 rebounds per game in 13 games played. She showed glimpses of being able to do it all and adjust quickly to a new system. Less than a week after signing, Larkins showed out against the Fever with four points, six rebounds and a career-high eight dimes on the night.

While we’re on the topic of career-highs, Griffin comes to Minnesota from Australia where she is now a permanent resident. The Alaska native had a stellar college career at the University of Nebraska and was most recently named the MVP of the WNBL (Australia) regular season and Finals. She averaged a double-double with just under 20 points per game and 12.3 rebounds—at 50.6% clip from the field.

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When Griffin played for the Sun from 2010-2014, she played in 164 games, averaged less than five points and shot 37.6% from the field. That’s a drastic improvement from then until now and the numbers she posted in Australia. She is the best of both worlds for Minnesota, really. Griffin is an absolute beast on the boards, but can score at will, too. The Lynx will turn to Larkins for defensive energy and her ability to pass more than anything.

Without Maya Moore or Lindsay Whalen to lean on in 2019, that leaves a lot of room for opportunity. I can see both players definitely making an impact right away for the Lynx. Larkins showed a lot of promise in her brief showing last year and Griffin has shown steady improvement statistically over the last five years.

It will be a much different Minnesota squad this year and only time will tell how they adapt in 2019.

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