The Minnesota Lynx are still weeks away from the return of their star player, Napheesa Collier. Missing an MVP-caliber player is a devastating loss, and the Lynx are waiting on a return from her as soon as possible.
Despite this, the Lynx have looked better than expected in her absence. Of course, returning veterans like Courtney Williams and Kayla McBride are as strong as ever, and second-overall pick Olivia Miles is looking like a star in the making. While Collier will certainly provide a boost upon her return, this incarnation of the Lynx has enough depth to get by fine in her position. With Collier only signing a 1 year contract, it’s unknown if she even plans to stay beyond this season.
The Lynx’s real concern right now is the center position.
Minnesota needs more size
In this eventful offseason, the Lynx lost two of their most capable bigs, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, who both went to Dallas in free agency. To make matters worse, 6’5 reigning EuroLeague MVP Dorka Juhász, who was likely intended to be Minnesota’s starting center, suffered a right mid-foot sprain and remains without a timetable for return. Finally, incredibly promising 6’5 rookie Emma Cechova suffered a season-ending ACL tear, leaving Minnesota’s options at the center position dramatically depleted.
The only remaining players who stand over 6’1” are Natasha Howard and Emese Hof. Howard has generally played as a power forward, but she can play center in a pinch, as she is currently doing in the Lynx’s starting lineup. She is a respectable vet with three championship wins in the WNBA, including one with the Lynx in 2018. Ideally, she would be shifted down to a more comfortable position, but as long as she has a capable backup center, she could do well enough in the role.
Unfortunately, Emese Hof has not yet proven herself up for the challenge. The thing is, she was never supposed to be. Hof was signed to a developmental contract. She has shown potential and flashes of talent, but she simply does not seem ready for serious minutes quite yet. There’s no reason to believe she won’t get there, and the signing demonstrates Cheryl Reeve’s faith that she can be developed into a strong rotation player, but in the meantime, the Lynx need more options.
In a loss against Chicago, this issue was very visible. The Lynx struggled to find an answer for Kamilla Cardoso, who stands 4 inches taller than any available Lynx player. While they managed to win Natasha Howard’s minutes, Emese Hof struggled with a game-low 10-point differential. At the risk of being overly harsh, it’s worth noting that Hof also missed the game-deciding shot in the Lynx’s other loss. However, it’s important to emphasize that it’s not her fault—she’s simply being forced into a role she’s not ready for yet by necessity.
Even once Juhász returns, the center depth issue remains. Minnesota’s best bet going forward is likely a small trade or signing for a reserve big. Someone to fill the role that Emma Cechova had before her injury, and Maria Kliundikova had the previous year.
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