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The pressure is on as the hours count down to the training camp. Ballers across the league know they need to perform at a high level heading into the next three weeks if they want to make a roster, something that does not come easy in the WNBA. So as the coaching staffs work out which players fit their playbook best, the competitiveness is expected to be at an all-time high. Just as you’d expect in a league that recorded its most successful season ever last year. So if you’re looking for a roster spot in a team coming off a Finals run, then you must avoid any slip ups whatsoever.

Such is the case in Minnesota. They were inches away from the WNBA Championship when New York Liberty defeated them in overtime of the WNBA Finals’ Game 5. As Cheryl Reeves manages to keep her starting five from last year intact, their goal appears clearer than ever and the tone for the training camp will surely be set by Napheesa Collier, famously known to prefer actions over words. The training camp in Minnesota is expected to be extremely competitive with the ample amount of quality and resilience present in the side. But the one looking to make Reeves’ job tougher is likely to be a player she is already familiar with.

While a lingering knee injury might have reduced her to a bench role last season where her shooting percentages saw a drop, Diamond Miller’s return to fitness has potential to give them the depth they desire. Delivering impressive performances in her rookie season, Miller finished second in the Rookie of The Year race as she averaged 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.5 assists on the season, pairing quality with consistency. “It’s hard to come to the WNBA and do so well in training camp. Literally, from the first time she stepped on the court, she’s been one of our best players. I wasn’t expecting that.” Reeves said of Miller after 2023 training camp.

As Diamond eyes a season of resurrection, there are others on the roster looking to claw their way to a spot. On the Locked on Women’s Basketball podcast, Analyst Jackie Powell discussed the toughest training camps heading into the season. “With Miller, Pili, Jess Shepherd and Anastasia Olairi Kosu, those are all the folks that I think are competing for the final spots” she said. Joining her was Tony East, who expressed high confidence in Miller, the 2nd pick from the 2023 WNBA draft, “I’d be pretty surprised if Diamond Miller is not on the opening night team”.

Powell’s comments are not a knock to Miller by any means. The WNBA is ultra competitive, not just in terms of skillset but also structurally. While getting drafted in the NBA more or less guarantees your spot on a team, life in the WNBA can be uncertain. A cap space problem that the league is reminded of every draft season, Only 13 players drafted in 2024 made a WNBA roster. This comes as a consequence of the low salaries and limited earning potential under the current cap structure which limits the teams’ ability to field full rosters. In fact, some teams such as last year’s Connecticut Sun prefer keeping only 11 players under these cap rules. The chances come slim in the W.

However, Jackie’s unpopular stance came when she backed a pick of her own over Diamond. “I think Grace Berger might be more of a lock than Diamond Miller”, Jackie said. It’s not unlikely though, The Minnesota Lynx did claim her off waivers. Grace was waived by Clark’s Fever earlier this year after her playing time saw a decline since the arrival of the star point guard last season. For the Minnesota Lynx though, Berger might solve a couple of problems for Coach Reeves. Her arrival would address Minnesota’s need for a reliable backcourt option and could also contribute to facilitating the offense. While her scoring volume has been low, her efficiency in 2023 suggests she can be a reliable option when called upon. Minnesota will have to make a choice, but those are the kind of problems the Lynx staff will relish.

Lynx hunt for Reeve’s historic fifth

After their first trip to the finals since 2017 ended in a heartbreaking defeat, the Lynx’s 2024 season had a lot of positives for the fans. After repeated post season disappointments since their last championship, Minnesota appeared an unstoppable force last season. Finishing the regular season with a 30-10 record, their postseason was a dominant one featuring a first round sweep and the franchise’s 7th trip to the Finals. After preserving their core and making key additions in the offseason, Minnesota looks prepared for another Finals run.

The team will once again be led by the undisputed face of the franchise and the face of Undisputed Napheesa Collier, who missed out on the MVP award to Aces Center A’ja Wilson. Napheesa is an elite player on both ends of the floor. While she is a scoring machine, her ability to guard all positions on defense makes her a one of a kind player and the team’s centerpiece. She is expected to be a frontrunner for the award again. The race for the award is once again expected to be a tight one as A’ja Wilson will aim to win her historic fourth MVP award while Caitlin Clark makes her own case in Indiana. As the Fever & Aces are both expected to be top contenders alongside the Lynx, this MVP race has the potential to be generational.

In an attempt to fill the hole left by the expansion draft, Lynx added Karlie Samuelson to their ranks who will look to enhance their perimeter shooting and provide depth. Pairing her with Kayla McBride could be deadly as McBride can shoot the lights out. The duo would also help space the floor and create driving lanes for Courtney Williams who can finish strong at the rim. While she can surely attack the basket, her decision making and ability to find her teammates makes this a lethal team. Opening up Williams might just be the key to their offense.

Alanna Smith would be an absolutely vital piece to this strong side, providing the Lynx with a defensive anchor possessing a high basketball IQ. She has also show improvements in her offense which will likely improve the Lynx’s spacing. The returning stars sure need to replicate last season’s quality to compete next year but an improved output from the bench could further strengthen their case this year. “The biggest difference will be in our second group,” Reeves said. “And being intentional in how we use them. Last year, it was probably more of fitting them into how the first group played.” 

The Lynx coaching staff’s work appears cut out for them. As they look for pieces that supplement this high caliber side, Reeves’ gargantuan experience will surely be a difference maker. Currently, two coaches are tied for the most WNBA championships with four titles each: Cheryl Reeves and Van Chancellor. So as questions continue to brew around a historic season, The preseason might just provide the answers.