The Lynx are gearing up for an extraordinary season, but a recent announcement has fans on the edge of their seats. Lynx players are set to participate in the highly anticipated second season of Unrivaled, a thrilling 3-on-3 basketball league.
Unrivaled, co-founded by the legendary Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, is set to tip off on January 5th, following a successful debut last year. The league offers a refreshing take on basketball during the WNBA offseason, and this season promises even more excitement with its expansion from six to eight teams.
Here's a closer look at the Lynx players' involvement:
Alanna Smith: Smith is making a bold move this offseason, choosing to stay in the United States instead of playing overseas as she has done throughout her career. She will be joining Unrivaled for the first time, playing for The Mist alongside some of the league's top talents. The Mist's first game will be against The Hive, one of the league's new additions.
Courtney Williams: One half of the dynamic duo StudBudz, Williams is no stranger to Unrivaled. She was part of the inaugural season's elite 32 players. This year, she suits up for Team Vinyl, a new squad featuring Rhyne Howard and Brittney Griner. They'll face Laces in a highly anticipated matchup on opening night.
Natisha Hiedeman: Hiedeman, the other half of StudBudz, is also returning for her second Unrivaled season. Last year, she played for three different teams, including Rose, with whom she won the Unrivaled Championship. This time, she's on The Hive, another new team, ready to take on The Mist in the season opener.
Napheesa Collier: Unfortunately, Collier, one of the league's co-founders, will be sitting out this season due to surgery. She was set to play for her team, the Lunar Owls, but announced on New Year's Day that she needs surgery on both ankles, which will keep her off the court for 4-6 months. This news is a significant setback, but the surgery is crucial for Collier's long-term health and could prevent future injuries.
But here's where it gets controversial: is it worth risking the start of the WNBA season for this surgery? Only time will tell how this decision impacts Collier's career and the Lynx's performance.
As the Unrivaled season approaches, stay tuned for more updates on these exceptional players and their journey through this unique league. And don't forget to check our Lynx Offseason Update series every Monday for the latest news on your favorite players.
