As many Minnesota Lynx fans know, Napheesa Collier missed ten weeks at the beginning of the 2026 season. She suffered dual ankle injuries last year, which left her unable to participate in the second season of Unrivaled and cast as shadow of doubt over Minnesota's presason. The Lynx, who haven't won a championship since 2017, wanted to head into this season as strong as possible.
Of course, as many of us know now, the team did that after they drafted Olivia Miles as the No. 2 overall draft pick this season. The Lynx have an incredible 31-7 record and are six wins over the Golden State Valkyries, who are ranked second behind them. But through it all, fans anxiously awaited news of Collier's health and of her return.
Collier was cleared in July, ESPN reported today, after two surgeries and nearly one year of rehab. Per the outlet, she's 19.0 points and 7.4 rebounds through10 games, stats that serve as a strong reminder to everyone who she is and how she plays. The Lynx became the first team to seal their playoffs berth this month, and Collier will be a huge part of the driving force that propels the team as far as they end up going.
Winning a championship would "cement Collier's legacy as an all-time great," ESPN also wrote. That's truly a big statement, considering Collier has consistently been one of the strongest players in the WNBA since she was drafted. She's also proven to be an exceptional leader who is unafraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. She and Breanna Stewart co-founded the professional 3x3 league Unrivaled together, and last year Collier memorably used her season's end press conference to explain exactly why the athletes in the WNBA were frustrated with the league's leadership.
Collier also has an an extraordinary opportunity right now: not only is she a leader for the Lynx, she will be the beacon who helps Miles continue what is very likely to be a powerful and unique journey all of her own. Veteran leadership is always special, and being able to learn alongside someone like Collier is likely a very magnetic experience for Miles, who is already thrilling fans with her skills on the floor.
The Miles-Collier pairing has the potential to be something great — this season, of course, but also, perhaps, for many seasons to come.
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