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Napheesa Collier replaces A’Ja Wilson in the all-star game

By Derek James

LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 21: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball against the Las Vegas Aces on July 21, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 21: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx handles the ball against the Las Vegas Aces on July 21, 2019 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Bottari/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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A big honor for the rookie

One rising star has taken the place of another rising star in Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game. The WNBA announced on Monday afternoon that Minnesota Lynx rookie Napheesa Collier would replace injured A’Ja Wilson of the host Las Vegas Aces. Collier will now join teammates Odyssey Sims and Sylvia Fowles in the contest.

More from Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx have now had three or more all-stars chosen seven times, the most of any franchise in league history. Collier is the fourth Lynx rookie selected as an all-star, joining Betty Lennox, Seimone Augustus, and Maya Moore in the honors.

Another accolade for Collier

As for Collier, she is in the midst of a stellar rookie campaign. The do-it-all forward has helped keep the Lynx in the playoff picture with her solid production despite the absences of Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, and Rebekkah Brunson.

On the season, Collier third in scoring, second in rebounding, fourth in assists among rookies and third in steals across the entire WNBA. Collier consistently finds ways to impact the game each and every night while playing over 32 minutes per game. It’s safe to say that Collier is arguably the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year at the break.

How much will Collier play? 

It doesn’t sound as if Collier will replace Wilson as a captain for the game’s draft and will potentially compete with Candice Dupree, Tina Charles and Alyssa Thomas for minutes off of the bench. We’ll know for sure after Tuesday’s all-star draft.

When the season began, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve talked about how the new additions like Collier had an appreciation for the franchise’s history and the standard that is expected when a player puts on a Lynx jersey. Collier’s selection is just another high note in a solid rookie campaign. Lynx and UConn fans alike will get to cheer her on come Saturday afternoon.

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