The Lynx\u2019s real concern right now is the center position.<\/p>\n
Minnesota needs more size<\/p>\n
In this eventful offseason, the Lynx lost two of their most capable bigs, Alanna Smith and Jessica Shepard, who both went to Dallas in free agency. To make matters worse, 6\u20195 reigning EuroLeague MVP Dorka Juh\u00e1sz, who was likely intended to be Minnesota\u2019s starting center, suffered a right mid-foot sprain and remains without a timetable for return. Finally, incredibly promising 6\u20195 rookie Emma Cechova<\/a> suffered a season-ending ACL tear, leaving Minnesota\u2019s options at the center position dramatically depleted.<\/p>\n The only remaining players who stand over 6\u20191\u201d are Natasha Howard and Emese Hof. Howard has generally played as a power forward, but she can play center in a pinch, as she is currently doing in the Lynx\u2019s starting lineup. She is a respectable vet with three championship wins in the WNBA, including one with the Lynx in 2018. Ideally, she would be shifted down to a more comfortable position, but as long as she has a capable backup center, she could do well enough in the role.\u00a0<\/p>\n Unfortunately, Emese Hof has not yet proven herself up for the challenge. The thing is, she was never supposed to be. Hof was signed to a developmental contract. She has shown potential and flashes of talent, but she simply does not seem ready for serious minutes quite yet. There\u2019s no reason to believe she won\u2019t get there, and the signing demonstrates Cheryl Reeve\u2019s faith that she can be developed into a strong rotation player, but in the meantime, the Lynx need more options.\u00a0<\/p>\n In a loss against Chicago, this issue was very visible. The Lynx struggled to find an answer for Kamilla Cardoso, who stands 4 inches taller than any available Lynx player. While they managed to win Natasha Howard\u2019s minutes, Emese Hof struggled with a game-low 10-point differential. At the risk of being overly harsh, it\u2019s worth noting that Hof also missed the game-deciding shot in the Lynx\u2019s other loss. However, it\u2019s important to emphasize that it\u2019s not her fault\u2014she\u2019s simply being forced into a role she\u2019s not ready for yet by necessity.\u00a0<\/p>\n Even once Juh\u00e1sz returns, the center depth issue remains. Minnesota\u2019s best bet going forward is likely a small trade or signing for a reserve big. Someone to fill the role that Emma Cechova had before her injury, and Maria Kliundikova had the previous year.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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