The Minnesota Lynx's playoff exit wasn't just disappointing; it exposed a critical roster flaw that, if unaddressed, could prevent them from contending for a championship in the coming years. With only Dorka Juhasz (who sat out the 2025 season) and Anastasiia Kosu currently under contract for 2026, the Lynx face an offseason of crucial decisions. Even if they manage to re-sign their core players – Napheesa Collier, Kayla McBride, Alanna Smith, and Courtney Williams – a significant upgrade is needed. But here's where it gets controversial: the problem isn't necessarily talent, but roster construction.
During the regular season, Minnesota was a force to be reckoned with, topping the league in both offensive and defensive rating. This dominance, however, masked underlying weaknesses that were brutally exposed in the playoffs. Specifically, their frontcourt, while talented, lacked the sheer size and physicality to consistently compete against the larger rotations of teams like the Phoenix Mercury. Addressing this could involve targeting a player like Lauren Betts or Awa Fam in the upcoming draft, players known for their size and rebounding prowess. But beyond height, another issue loomed even larger: the glaring lack of consistent offensive production from the small forward position.
Let's break down where the Lynx excelled and where they faltered. Their big rotation, featuring Napheesa Collier, Alanna Smith, Jessica Shepard, and Maria Kliundikova, proved to be a reliable source of points and rebounds. The two-guard positions, manned by Courtney Williams, Kayla McBride, and Natisha Hiedeman, consistently delivered offensive firepower. And this is the part most people miss: the problem wasn't a lack of talent, but a positional imbalance. The small forward spot became a black hole on offense, a glaring weakness opponents could exploit.
Bridget Carleton started at the three, bringing good size (6’2") and solid defense to the position. She can also reliably space the floor. However, her offensive output dipped significantly compared to the previous season. Her scoring average fell by three points per game, and her three-point shooting percentage dropped below 40%. Even more concerning, her playoff performance plummeted to just 5 points per game on a dismal 31% shooting from the field (though her three-point percentage improved slightly to 36.8%).
Behind Carleton, the depth at the wing position was alarmingly thin. Early in the season, Karlie Samuelson provided some backup for both McBride and Carleton. Diamond Miller also saw limited minutes at the three, but struggled to earn Coach Reeve's consistent trust. When Samuelson suffered a season-ending injury, the Lynx's perimeter depth evaporated. To address this crisis, they traded Miller, Samuelson, and a 2027 second-round pick for DiJonai Carrington. Carrington, while a talented player who can create her own offense, sacrifices size at the three. She also provides valuable flexibility, capable of playing either the shooting guard or small forward position. But even Carrington couldn't solve the problem entirely, as she suffered an injury that sidelined her for most of the playoffs.
This string of unfortunate events forced Coach Reeve to rely heavily on Carleton, even when her shots weren't falling. It also led to experimenting with undersized three-guard lineups featuring Williams, Hiedeman, and McBride. While these lineups offered speed and offensive potential, they were a defensive liability against teams with bigger wings, like the Phoenix Mercury with Kahleah Copper and Satou Sabally.
To become true championship contenders again, the Lynx must address this glaring weakness at the small forward position. This could involve upgrading the wing depth with a reliable scorer or even finding a more impactful player to fill the starting role. This is where the controversy lies: Should they prioritize a high-scoring threat even if it means sacrificing some defensive prowess, or should they stick with a defensively sound player who can contribute just enough on offense? Ultimately, the Lynx's success hinges on finding the right balance and addressing this critical roster flaw. What do you think? Should the Lynx prioritize offense or defense at the small forward position? Do you agree that this is their biggest need, or do you see other areas that require more urgent attention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
