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The Minnesota Lynx received an unfortunate update regarding forward Diamond Miller, who will be sidelined indefinitely following a successful surgical procedure on her right knee. The team announced the news Wednesday, stating that Miller will need time to recover from the operation.
Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft, sustained the injury just three games into the current season. The setback is particularly disheartening as she had been working her way back from a separate injury to her left knee, which she suffered while playing overseas during the WNBA offseason and required surgery. Additionally, Miller had previously undergone surgery on her right knee in 2022 during her collegiate career at Maryland.
The 6-foot-3 All-America forward had an impressive rookie season with the Lynx, averaging 12.1 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, as reported by Alexa Philippou of ESPN. Her performance earned her a spot on the all-rookie team, and she was expected to be a key contributor for Minnesota this season. However, her current injury will delay her return to the court and impact the Lynx's lineup as they navigate the early part of the season.
Miller’s injury occurred during the second quarter of the Lynx's game May 24 against the Connecticut Sun, reported by the Associated Press. While the exact nature of the injury was not specified, it was severe enough to warrant a consultation with a knee specialist and subsequent surgery. Prior to the injury, Miller was averaging 4.3 points over the first three games of the season, a slower start compared to her rookie year but still showing promise for her development.
The Lynx, currently holding a 4-1 record and sitting second in the WNBA standings, will need to adjust their strategy moving forward. They face the defending champion Las Vegas Aces in their next matchup Wednesday, which will be a significant test without Miller in the lineup. The team will look to other players to step up in her absence, including recently activated forward Dorka Juhasz, who joined the Lynx after completing her season with Italian club Famila Schio in the EuroLeague.
Lynx without other key players in addition to Diamond Miller's absence
In addition to Miller's absence, the Lynx are also without forward Nina Milić for the 2024 WNBA season. Milić, currently playing overseas and a reserved free agent, decided to continue her play abroad rather than return to the WNBA this summer. Her decision follows a trend of Lynx players sitting out the upcoming season, including starting center Jess Shepard.
During her time with the Lynx, Milić averaged 5.9 points, 2.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists over 12.3 minutes in 70 games. She showed significant improvement in the 2023 season, with increased playing time and occasional starts. Overseas, Milić excelled, playing alongside Lynx teammates Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride for Fenerbahçe in Turkey, where she has averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.4 assists over 28.4 minutes in seven Turkey-KBSL games.
Meanwhile, Shepard will miss the entire season due to the WNBA's new prioritization rules, which require players to conclude their offseason obligations before the start of camp or by May 1. Shepard, who is committed to her Italian club Umana Reyer Venezia, will be suspended for the year. While her contract won’t count towards the Lynx’s cap, retaining her preserves Minnesota's exclusive negotiating rights for next year.
Head coach Cheryl Reeve and the Lynx coaching staff will need to reassess their rotation and find ways to compensate for the loss of Miller's versatility. The team’s strong start to the season provides some cushion, but maintaining momentum will be crucial as they aim to stay competitive in the highly contested WNBA.
