Mitchell Hansen
Web Editorial Associate
Twitter
F | 6-2, 185 lbs
2016 season: 33 games, 33 starts, 7.4 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 47.7 FG%, 85.7 FT%
Following the 2009 season, Rebekkah Brunson knew she was going to a new WNBA team. Her previous team, the Sacramento Monarchs, had suspended operations.
In 2010, Brunson was selected by the Minnesota Lynx in the dispersal draft.
From that point on, Brunson has had her hand in helping the Lynx build a dynasty.
Along with Brunson, Minnesota hired Cheryl Reeve prior to the 2010 season. That season, Reeve, Brunson and the Lynx began to turn the corner after struggling the past five seasons.
In the next six seasons, the Lynx went on to reach the WNBA Final five times, winning three WNBA Championships.
Brunson, who has a total of four championship rings, concluded her 13th WNBA season and seventh season in Minnesota in 2016.
Throughout her career, Brunson has averaged 9.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, one assist and one steal per game, while averaging 24.9 minutes per game as primarily a starter. She has also shot the ball well in her career, holding a career shooting percentage of 47.1 percent.
During the 2016 season, Brunson logged the fourth-most minutes per game among Lynx players with 24.6. She was sixth on the team in points per game (7.4), second in rebounding (7.3), sixth in assists (1.8) and fourth in steals (0.9).
Brunson was also fourth on the team in field goal percentage (47.7 percent) and fourth in free throw percentage (85.7 percent).
Top Three Games Of The Season
3.) June 7 vs. Phoenix Mercury
In the 89-81 win over the Mercury at the Target Center, Brunson had one of her most all-around games of the season, finishing with 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists. Brunson also shot 4-of-8 (50 percent) from the field and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the line.
2.) Sept. 4 vs. Connecticut Sun
In the 93-79 win over the Sun at the Target Center, Brunson finished with 13 points, which was her second highest point total of the regular season. Along with her double-digit point total, Brunson had five rebounds, two steals and shot 5-of-7 (71.4 percent) from the field and 3-for-4 (75 percent) from the free throw line.
1.) July 17 at Dallas Wings
In the 98-97 overtime win over the Wings at College Park Center, Brunson had a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds. The 16 points was a season-high for Brunson. Along with her double-double, Brunson had two assists, two steals and shot 7-for-14 (50 percent) from the field and 2-fo-3 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line.
Offseason Plans
Brunson, a Washington D.C. native, is spending the 2016 offseason here in the Minneapolis area.
The 34-year-old, who turns 35 on Dec. 11, will be entering her 14th season in the WNBA. It will be her eighth season with the Lynx.
Role for 2017?
Brunson has never really had to be the primary scorer offensively, although she has shown that she is capable of stepping into that role throughout her career.
But there is one thing for certain with Brunson, she is almost guaranteed to get a near double-double every game.
Another part of Brunson’s game that has improved throughout her career is her ability to share the ball. She is averaging almost two assists per game in each season with the Lynx, compared to about 0.5 assists per season prior to arriving in Minnesota in 2010.
Look for more of the same from Brunson in the upcoming 2017 season.