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Lynx will become undisputed title favorites if Napheesa Collier gets her wish

Could the Lynx get even better.
Elaine Blum
Elaine Blum

High Post Hoops

Connecticut Sun v Minnesota Lynx / Ellen Schmidt/GettyImages

The Lynx still have the best record in the WNBA despite a rough few games. Minnesota lost two of its last three games, falling to a shorthanded Phoenix Mercury team and the struggling Chicago Sky. After the loss to the Sky, the Lynx waived former first-round pick Alissa Pili, seemingly making space to add an impactful player to the roster. Losing Karlie Samuelson to a season-ending injury hurt the Lynx’s depth, and Cheryl Reeve obviously didn’t trust Pili to play heavy minutes. 

Considering the Lynx’s title aspirations, they will likely look to add a veteran. Marina Mabrey had been linked to the team during the offseason when she requested a trade out of Connecticut. Minnesota could also make a splash in free agency, however. Napheesa Collier has her eyes on Emma Meesseman. 

Earlier this month, Collier spoke with Kent Youngblood of The Minnesota Star Tribune, noting how perfectly she thinks Emma Meesseman would fit into the Lynx’s system and how much she loves playing with the Belgian superstar. 

If the Lynx sign Meesseman, they will be the undisputed title favorites. 

Emma Meesseman is a true superstar

Meesseman hasn’t played in the WNBA since 2022. In the WNBA, she has been a two-time All-Star, a champion, and a Finals MVP. She has done most of her damage in Europe and on the international stage. Meesseman is a six-time EuroLeague champion, a three-time EuroLeague MVP, a two-time EuroBasket champion, and a two-time member of the Olympics Basketball Tournament All-Star Five. 

After a successful EuroBasket campaign with the Belgian national team, Meesseman could be eying a return to the WNBA. If she does, the team that signs her will get an immediate boost and vastly improve its chances of postseason success. 

Emma Meesseman is already familiar with a few Lynx players

Emma Meesseman spent most of her WNBA career with the Washington Mystics and one season with the Chicago Sky. Nevertheless, she is familiar with some Lynx players. She teamed up with Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride in Turkey, playing for Fenerbahce. 

The Lynx already know that Meesseman would fit well with two of their top players. The fit between her and Courtney Williams should also work well. Even Alanna Smith, the Lynx’s starting center, could play well next to Meesseman. Smith’s ability to space the floor offensively and protect the rim defensively makes her an easy fit next to any other big. 

If Meesseman comes to the WNBA, she will likely expect a starting spot. So, the Lynx would have to figure out if they can play all three of Collier, Meesseman, and Smith together, moving Bridget Carleton to the bench, or if one of the bigs would have to join the second unit. 

Elaine Blum

Elaine Blum

Elaine Blum is the Site Co-Expert for High Post Hoops. She covers the entire league, but her favorite team is Minnesota. She has been writing about the NBA and WNBA from Germany since 2021. Elaine has a bachelor's degree in English and journalism and a master’s degree in American Studies. Her academic work is focused on intersectional women and gender studies. She has been playing basketball since she was 10 years old and has won several league and state titles at both the youth and adult levels.