Kyle Ratke
Web Editor

The last year or so has been tough for post player Amber Harris.

The 27 year old re-signed with the Lynx this offseason after playing overseas for Poland. Up until that point, though, she was recovering from a nasty knee injury.

“It was very difficult,” Harris said. “… Having not being able to touch the court for six months was really tough for me.”

After taking last season off to get healthy, Harris is back in camp for the Lynx and she feels and looks healthy. Harris dropped about 20 pounds in order to show coaches her commitment to returning to the WNBA, along with putting less pressure on her knee.

“I’ve seen less of her,” head coach Cheryl Reeve joked. “She’s 20 pounds lighter, so I see less of her. For her, I think she’s excited to be here. She missed her teammates and I think missed playing in the WNBA.”

Harris was the No. 4 pick in the 2011 Draft after playing college ball at Xavier. From 2011-2013, Harris played in 84 games (one start) for the Lynx and averaged 3.0 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.4 blocks per game. At 6’5”, she has the chance to be a very valuable member on a Lynx team in need of size – especially with Janel McCarville sitting out for the 2015 season.

Reeve and Harris haven’t talked about goals going into the season, but judging from her attitude at Monday’s practice, Harris is in the right place mentally and 2015 could be a very big season for her career. She perhaps hasn’t lived up to the No. 4 pick status yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late.

She’ll challenge Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray, Asjha Jones and Dev Peters for playing time.

“I’m going to try my hardest to contribute to the team,” Harris said. “… Whether it’s defensively, rebounding, offensively. Anything to help the team win.”

Quick Hits

• Lindsey Whalen and Jones were not at practice. Whalen could return as soon as Wednesday.

• Monica Wright is dealing with a calf strain. Nothing major, but something to keep an eye on.

• It was assistant coach Shelley Patterson’s birthday. Our sources tell us that there was indeed cake.