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Lynx sign Linnae Harper and Kayla Alexander

By Derek James

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Kayla Alexander of Adelaide Lightning shoots during game three of the WNBL Grand Final series between UC Capitals and the Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena on February 16, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images)
CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 16: Kayla Alexander of Adelaide Lightning shoots during game three of the WNBL Grand Final series between UC Capitals and the Adelaide Lightning at AIS Arena on February 16, 2019 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Tracey Nearmy/Getty Images) /
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More depth for Minnesota

While the Lynx must feel like free agency began years ago, the signing period has only been open for a few weeks. However, in those days, the Lynx have found themselves on the outside looking in as the top players on the market found new homes.

This past weekend, the Lynx made two additions to the roster: guard Linnae Harper and center Kayla Alexander. Neither signing is a home run, but the Lynx don’t necessarily need a splash to field a competitive team.

Harper and the Lynx a potentially perfect fit?

Harper left Ohio State in 2018 leading the Buckeyes to the Big Ten championship as a member of both the all-conference and all-conference defensive teams. Despite a successful college career, Harper went undrafted that year.

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While Harper would catch on with Chicago as an undrafted free agent, she struggled to find her footing in 24 games as a rookie. However, Harper caught fire playing in Israel in 2019. Over 13 games Harper averaged 17.5 points, 6.2 boards 4.9 assists and 1.2 steals per game.

The opportunity for Harper to make the Lynx and receive minutes is there. She has a chance to show Cheryl Reeve that, much like Lexie Brown, she deserves more than the six minutes per game she saw as a rookie. This time, there’s no Courtney Vandersloot ahead of her on the depth chart.

As it stands now, the Lynx are in dire need of a point guard. Harper could be that player based on her college, overseas, and stint with the Sky. She accounted for 25 percent of the Sky’s assists when she was on the floor. Although Harper struggled defensively, as many rookies do, she still accounted for 7.2 percent of her team’s rebounds as a 5’8” guard.

Harper can endear herself to Cheryl Reeve by not only playing hard but also getting the team into their offense and grabbing a few rebounds. The Lynx don’t necessarily need Harper to take over games but make sure that Napheesa Collier and Sylvia Fowles get the ball.

Kayla Alexander has game but will she see opportunity in Minnesota?

I wouldn’t want to be a frontcourt player auditioning for the Minnesota Lynx. With Sylvia Fowles, Temi Fagbenle, and Damiras Dantas, the Lynx have many options at the center position. Alaina Coates discovered how difficult it was to crack this rotation as she failed to make it through the season with the team in 2019.

Alexander will now be the latest challenger. At 6’4′,  the eight-year veteran would add more size to a platoon with three players taller than 6’3′. The challenge will be whether they can find room for all of them again.

After seeing her playing time reduced significantly in the past two seasons, Alexander hopes to showcase her abilities in hopes of landing a greater role. The 29-year-old once finished third in the WNBA in field goal percentage and has two top-10 offensive rebounding finishes in her career.

Despite her limited role last season, Alexander still grabbed over two rebounds in just under seven minutes per game. The fact that she hasn’t needed big minutes to stay effective is notable. She has shot better than 54 percent of her shots from the field and made 75 percent or more of her free throws. That dependability can go a long way in this league, especially if injuries grab hold.

Realistically, Alexander has a tough road to the Lynx roster but a good showing could land her a job elsewhere. Have a reliable player of her size who can dependably rebound and make shots is valuable. The only question will be is if that happens in Minnesota or not this season.

The proving grounds

Last season, the Lynx touted how motivated their players were to have strong seasons. Players like Brown and Odyssey Sims were leaving negative situations and players know the standard of excellence that comes with donning the Lynx jersey.

While Alexander and Harper have no future guarantees on this roster, both women have something to prove and the abilities to do so.

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