Napheesa Collier Out Until June After Second Ankle Surgery: Lynx Star Targets Return to Court

Napheesa Collier is going to miss the start of the WNBA season. The Lynx star underwent a second ankle surgery, and she's not expecting to get back on the court until June at the earliest.

This is a significant blow for Minnesota as they head into the regular season. Collier is one of the best two-way players in the league, and losing her for the opening stretch puts real pressure on the rest of the roster to carry the load early.

The Road Back

Collier's target timeline is June for on-court work, which means she'll miss meaningful time at the start of the season. A second surgery suggests the initial ankle issue didn't heal the way the team hoped, forcing them to go back in and address it properly. It's the right call from a long-term health standpoint, but it creates an immediate gap in the lineup that other players will have to fill.

What Minnesota Needs to Do

The Lynx can't afford to lose ground early with Collier sidelined. They've got to stay competitive while she recovers, which means role players have to step up and the team's depth gets tested right out of the gate. The good news is they have time before June arrives, and Collier can rehab properly without rushing back.

When she does return, the Lynx will be stronger for it. For now, Minnesota has to find ways to win without one of their best players on the floor.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.