The WNBA's Minnesota Lynx are set to welcome back a familiar face to their starting lineup: Napheesa Collier, the 29-year-old forward who has been sidelined with ankle injuries. Collier, a five-time All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, is poised to make her season debut on Wednesday against the Seattle Storm. This return comes after a challenging period for the player, marked by injuries and a vocal stance on WNBA leadership.
Collier's journey to recovery has been a long and arduous one. She suffered a right ankle sprain in August, followed by a left ankle and left shin muscle tear in September, all within a short span of time. These injuries not only sidelined her for the remainder of the season but also cost her the entire 2026 season, as she underwent surgeries on both ankles. Her absence from the court has been a significant setback for the Lynx, who are currently atop the WNBA standings with a strong 21-6 record.
The team's success, led by presumptive Rookie of the Year Olivia Miles, has provided Collier with a much-needed runway to focus on her health. With the Lynx on pace for a similar number of wins as in 2025, when Collier played 34 games at an MVP pace, her return is highly anticipated. However, her comeback will likely be gradual, with a minutes restriction in place, as she hasn't come off the bench in her WNBA career.
Collier's absence from the court hasn't been without controversy. In her season-ending exit interview, she criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, stating that the league had the worst leadership in the world and was sabotaging its product. This led to an active role in CBA negotiations as a vice president of the union, and her presence at the three-on-three league Unrivaled, which she co-founded with Breanna Stewart. Despite her absence, Collier has remained a prominent figure in the league, advocating for improvements in officiating and labor relations.
The 2025 season was a standout year for Collier, as she averaged a career-best 22.9 points, playing the fewest minutes of her WNBA career. This performance solidified her status as a top player, with at least 20 points per game since giving birth to her daughter in 2022. Collier's consistent excellence has earned her a top-five MVP finish for three consecutive years and the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024.
As the Lynx look to advance to their fifth WNBA title, Collier's return is a significant boost. With her first WNBA title still elusive, her presence on the court is crucial for the team's success. The Lynx's strong start to the season and Collier's determination to reclaim her place among the league's elite make this a pivotal moment in the team's journey towards championship glory.
