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How Cheryl Reeve became WNBA Executive of the Year: A play in four acts

By Caissa Casarez

MINNEAPOLIS, MN- JULY 17: Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx high-fives teammates before the game against the Seattle Storm on July 17, 2019 at the 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN- JULY 17: Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx high-fives teammates before the game against the Seattle Storm on July 17, 2019 at the 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dominating Draft

It had been a while since Reeve had a relatively big draft for her team, as the Lynx usually debuted near the bottom of the first round in drafts thanks to their dominance on the court. But Minnesota’s front office made the most of their opportunity in 2019 and put together easily the best draft of any team in the league.

The Lynx chose guards Cierra Dillard (Buffalo, 20th) and Kenisha Bell (Minnesota, 30th) with their final picks of the draft. Both competed for spots on the team, with Bell gaining brief playing time in the regular season.

Minnesota found a gem in second-round pick Jessica Shepard (16th). She averaged nearly five points and almost 19 minutes a game off the bench before suffering a season-ending injury against Los Angeles on June 8. Shepard, too, is expected to be back for her sophomore season.

Back in March, Reeve spoke about the team’s highest pick of the draft at number six. While it was still unclear if certain non-senior players would be eligible, one thing was clear according to Reeve. “We know we’re going to get a good player.”

That player, of course, was none other than All-Star reserve and Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier.

How right Reeve was.

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