Many have described this as a year of transition for the Minnesota Lynx. With Napheesa Collier's return to action uncertain, the acquisition of the talented Olivia Miles has created a narrative around the team that developing her skill set should be the top priority. However, in just one appearance for the Lynx, Emma Cechova has not only proven her individual ability but also showcased that this roster has more quality depth in the frontcourt than throughout the 2025 season.
No matter what this season looks like for the Lynx, it will never be as successful as it could have been without their superstar, Napheesa Collier. But there’s simply no chance that Minnesota’s head coach, Cheryl Reeve, will allow standards to slip. She will look to Courtney Williams and Olivia Miles to form a devastating partnership, while also determining which complementary pieces best fit the rotation to give the team its strongest chance to thrive.
In the frontcourt, and most notably the center position, this has always been a difficult conundrum for Reeves to solve. Jessica Shephard -- now of the Dallas Wings -- provided capable cover in that position during the 2025 WNBA season, but it never felt like the Lynx had locked down a player that teams worried about facing. This could now change with the arrival of a Czech Republic international.
Emma Cechova could be the steal of the season
At 21 years of age, Emma Cechova has already carved herself an impressive career, which has now only been elevated by her arrival at the Minnesota Lynx. After making her international bow in 2023, Cechova has gone from strength to strength and is already proving she can make an immediate impact with her new employers.
It is hard to judge a prospect after one preseason game, but Cechova's impact will have the Lynx fan base purring with excitement that they have finally found an impactful center. During Minnesota's 73-66 victory over the Toronto Tempo, the European prospect recorded 16 points, six rebounds, and four blocks in 24 minutes on the floor.
Cechova's international career has proven that this level of performance is not an anomaly. Throughout the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2026 Qualifying Tournament, Cechova has averaged 14.4 points and six rebounds, while registering an incredible 23-point, 13-rebound showing against China on March 13.
As a physical presence, few players at this level are making such an impact at just 21 years old. Even fellow rookie Awa Fam has yet to match this influence on the international stage, despite attracting a significantly higher level of attention. Cechova’s two-way talent should provide a strong foundation for Olivia Miles to build upon, with their pick-and-roll chemistry likely to become a major talking point over the upcoming season.
Minnesota Lynx fans may not yet be familiar with Emma Cechova, but she is already showing signs of being a player worth getting excited about. Not only can she make an immediate impact, she also helps address the depth issues that plagued the Lynx throughout 2025. If Napheesa Collier can return to her dominant form before the postseason, this team could be poised for an unexpected deep playoff run.
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