‘I feel like this is my team now’

Napheesa Collier, the star forward for the Lynx, has come a long way in just a year. Last season, she gave birth to her daughter Mila before the start of the 2023 season. Despite the challenges of motherhood, she pushed herself to return to the court for the final few regular-season games, especially to play alongside retiring center Sylvia Fowles.

However, this year is different. Collier is excited that she no longer has to go through aggressive rehab and can focus on improving her skills instead of just getting healthy. Recently returning from Fenerbahçe, a renowned women’s basketball team in Turkey, she hasn’t decided if she will go back or play elsewhere overseas. But one thing is certain; she wants to build upon her existing abilities.

Collier’s performance last year speaks for itself. She led the Lynx back into the WNBA playoffs after a year’s absence and achieved impressive stats. She ranked fourth in scoring (24.7), seventh in rebounding (8.5), and ninth in steals (1.6). Her dominance in the paint, averaging 11.7 points per game, was second only to her performance in the All-Star Game. Collier’s success and mental approach to the game meant a lot more to her than just the numbers.

Now, she’s hungry for more. Collier wants to expand her playing abilities beyond the paint and improve her long-range shooting, ball-handling, and mobility. But her aspirations don’t stop there; she wants to be part of the Lynx’s future success. With only six players currently under contract for next season, including top scorer Kayla McBride, Collier sees an opportunity for the team to make moves in free agency. She wants to contribute to the recruiting process and be involved in important decisions.

Collier admired her team’s resilience last season, bouncing back from an 0-6 start to secure a playoff spot. She hopes to see improvements in the point guard position and a stronger presence in the post. But for now, Collier is cherishing her time at home with Mila, who is now 16 months old. Although her recent experience with Fenerbahçe marked the longest time apart from her daughter, Collier’s husband Alex Bazzell would join her if she decides to play overseas again.

Looking ahead, Collier may not have to face such decisions much longer. She is actively involved in the Unrivaled League project, alongside WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart. The league aims to provide opportunities for top women’s players to earn money during the offseason without having to leave the country. With fundraising efforts underway, the league hopes to launch in Miami a year from now, featuring 30 talented players split among six teams competing in three-on-three and one-on-one games.