Todd Barin

Web Editorial Associate

@Todd_Barin

The Minnesota Lynx are looking to defend their WNBA title this season and one player they cannot do without is guard Lindsay Whalen.

The 33-year-old veteran unfortunately had some injuries last year that affected her play, but Whalen has forgone playing overseas this offseason in order to get healthy.

“The Olympic year creates a problem as it pertains to Anna Cruz, Rachel Jarry, who has interest in coming back, in addition to our own players who will be competing in Rio that we’re trying to plan and prepare for how long the season is going to be,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. “It is one of the reasons why Lindsay Whalen decided not to go play in Europe, so she can prepare herself for the long season ahead.”

It was clear Whalen, who has spent 12 years in the WNBA, was banged up last year as she scored 10.9 points per game last season, her lowest scoring average since 2006.

Despite her down season, Whalen was still effective and led the Lynx to their third WNBA title. By dedicating an offseason to rest, hopefully we can see the Whalen who averaged 14.1 points and 5.6 assists in the 2014 regular season.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Whalen said regarding this upcoming season to John Focke. “I’ve been here kind of resting and getting ready, so that’ll be good. That was my main focus, staying home to first of all get healthy after the season and second of all to get prepared for this Lynx season and hopefully the Olympics.”