To see smart roster construction and coaching. Lynx boss Cheryl Reeve may one day regret not selecting Angel Reese in last year’s draft, but what she accomplished with intuitive, understated moves has taken this team to surprising levels of success.
On Tuesday, she traded for forward Myisha Hines-Allen. On Wednesday night, Hines-Allen was the Lynx’s best reserve player, recording eight points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 14 minutes against a team that included four Olympians.
Under Reeve and her all-star coaching staff, virtually every key Lynx player has played better than anyone could realistically expect, including Collier, Kayla McBride, Courtney Williams, Alanna Smith, Bridget Carleton and now Hines-Allen.
In terms of long-term construction, the decision to forego Reese and the slow development of Diamond Miller, the second pick in the 2023 draft, are cause for concern.
But after years of adopting the Vikings’ phrase “competitive rebuilding,” the Lynx are no longer rebuilding. They are fighting for a top spot in the most talent-rich team sports league in the world.
In terms of championship contenders, New York looks set to win this year. The player Reeve most wanted to sign as a free agent – superstar Breanna Stewart – has the Liberty comfortably at the top of the standings.
