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Minnesota Lynx close to adding Katie Smith to coaching staff

Derek James|
WHITE PLAINS, NY - MAY 25: Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx talks with Katie Smith of the New York Liberty before the game between the two teams on May 25, 2018 at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. 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 Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WHITE PLAINS, NY - MAY 25: Cheryl Reeve of the Minnesota Lynx talks with Katie Smith of the New York Liberty before the game between the two teams on May 25, 2018 at Westchester County Center in White Plains, New York. 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 Steve Freeman/NBAE via Getty Images)

A franchise legend poised to come home

On a recent podcast appearance, Lynx general manager and head coach said she would have an all-women coaching staff next season. The New York Liberty hired Walt Hopkins as their new head coach last week, leaving the Lynx with an opening.

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High Post Hoops can report that Lynx legend and former Liberty coach Katie Smith is close to an agreement with the Lynx to replace Hopkins and join Reeve in Minneapolis. Smith will join Shelley Patterson and Plenette Pierson on the coaching staff. The mutual interest between Smith and the Lynx was first reported by Gabe Ibrahim of WInsidr.

The return of Smith to the Lynx should excite fans. Smith along with Betty Lennox, were two of the first great players in franchise history. From 1999 to 2005, Smith made five all-star appearances as a member of the team. While Smith didn’t find much success with the Lynx, she was traded to Detroit where became an NBA champion and helped solidify her Hall of Fame career.

Of course, Smith most recently spent the previous two seasons as coach of the Liberty. She posted a 17-51 (.250) record in that time but her experience in New York should be useful as an assistant. Working with Reeve and the other members of the staff will also provide many learning opportunities for Smith.

Smith is another credible voice on the bench for the Lynx and a familiar face that longtime Lynx fans will appreciate. Her experience as a player and coach could prove valuable to an already credible coaching staff.

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