
via Getty
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 10: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Fever on September 10, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Pepper Robinson/NBAE via Getty Images)

via Getty
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – SEPTEMBER 10: Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx dribbles the ball during the game against the Indiana Fever on September 10, 2023 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Pepper Robinson/NBAE via Getty Images)
Leading in multiple categories this season, Napheesa Collier is having quite a season in the WNBA. But now that the Olympic break is on, Collier is off to her second campaign for gold in Paris. While she is averaging 20 points, 10.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, Collier averaged a team-high 19 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.7 steals within 23.5 minutes per game at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Recently, she started 1st group phase game against Japan and contributed 2-of-6 field goals in the 102-76 win.
Last month only, she scored 21 points and 6 rebounds against the New York Liberty only to pick up the Commissioner’s Cup trophy and also bag the Tournament’s MVP title. So, let’s step into the athletic world of Napheesa Collier and explore some more.
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Napheesa Collier’s player profile
Drafted in 2019 as the 6th overall pick, Napheesa Collier dons a towering height of 6-foot-1 with an impressive wingspan that expands her reach making her a good screen. With a body weight of 185.2 lb, Collier carries with herself a wingspan of 6-foot-6, which enables her to pose a strong defense, one of the best in the league.
Poll of the day
Poll 1 of 5
What aspect of Napheesa Collier's profile impresses you the most?
Height
Weight
Wingspan
Overall athleticism
Do you think Angel Reese's outspoken stance on WNBA salaries will lead to real change?
Yes, she's a game-changer
No, it's just talk
It might, but it'll take time
Not sure

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Do you agree with Dan Dakich's harsh criticism of Angel Reese and his claim that only Caitlin Clark matters in the WNBA?
Yes, Clark is the real star
No, Reese is equally important
Dakich is too harsh
Not sure
Is Angel Reese's struggle to meet expectations a result of her lack of athleticism or poor coaching?
Lack of athleticism
Poor coaching
Both
Neither, just a bad game
Is Angel Reese justified in her demands for better pay and conditions in the WNBA, even if it means clashing with Caitlin Clark?
Yes, players deserve more
No, she's overstepping
It's all part of the game
Not sure
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Upon getting drafted, Collier was asked to play the role of a small forward, then power forward, and then later on switch back to being a small forward. If not much, Collier polished her ability to be versatile when needed on the court.
In her first game, she scored 27 points against Chicago Sky which still holds the record of being the second-highest debut ever for a rookie after Candace Parker. Moreover, she became the second rookie after Tamika Catchings to record 400 points, 200 rebounds, and 60 steals. But, this didn’t stop there. She went ahead and became the fourth player to tally 400 points, 200 rebounds, 75 assists, 50 steals, 25 blocks, and 25 made 3-pointers.
Collier had officially raised the bar! She was named to the 2019 WNBA All-Rookie Team. But her luck as a rookie kept advancing as she also joined the All-Stars as an injury replacement for A’ja Wilson. She was then chosen as the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Then came a time that made the world standstill with coronavirus, Collier still managed to excel in the bubble as she started a Tea with A & Phee podcast with A’ja Wilson, which was later picked on by Just Women’s Sports. On the court, she was named to the All-WNBA Second Team and All-Defensive Second Team.
Most of her 2022 season was occupied mostly with her pregnancy, however, she did play 4 games and reasoned that she wanted to play one more game with Sylvia Fowles, who was retiring after the 2022 season.
What’s your perspective on:
Does Napheesa Collier's wingspan make her the most formidable defender in the WNBA right now?
Have an interesting take?

USA Today via Reuters
Jun 25, 2024; Belmont Park, New York, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert gives the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Championship MVP award to Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) at UBS Arena. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Coming back from maternity leave, in the early days of the 2023 season, she became the second player to put out a stat line of 30+ points (31), 5+ rebounds(8), 5+ assists (5), and 5+ blocks (6). She again made her presence felt as her performance led to honors including All-Star, All-WNBA First Team, WNBA All-Defensive Team, and Minnesota Lynx All-25 Team to celebrate the team’s 25th anniversary.
This season too, Collier made a bang with 115 points, 50 rebounds, 25+ steals and blocks, and 20 assists within only 5 games. In May, she was named the Western Conference Player of the Week award for the 5th time for putting out an outstanding display of skills on the court. But the WNBA isn’t the only place where Napheesa Collier has made her mark.
Collier’s overseas excellence
In 2021, Collier went to play for the French league, Lattes-Montpellier. At the time, she won the Coupe De France Finale in Paris. Two years later, she joined the Turkish Super League on a brief contract alongside her Lynx teammate Kayle McBride. Although it was short, she made it count by winning the MVP honor in the SuperCup Women’s Championship.
Earlier this year, she returned to the team and won the club’s second EuroLeague Women’s Championship, putting out the second-highest score ever with 33 points.
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Earlier this month, she announced the formation of a new professional women’s league called Unrivaled, in collaboration with Breanna Stewart. The effort is to give the WNBA players an alternative to fly overseas in the off-season. The league is set to kick off next year and will feature 30 players in a 3-on-3 and 1-on-1 team format. So, let’s wait for the Marvel to arrive next year.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr
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Debate
Does Napheesa Collier's wingspan make her the most formidable defender in the WNBA right now?