The Lynx didn’t receive a ton of attention as a team in the 2019 WNBA GM survey. As a rule, the GMs didn’t think the Lynx have much of a chance to compete for the championship (though Lynx players would no doubt say differently). They were given some props for their offseason moves, voted the team with the best home court advantage and voted the third-best defensive team, but the story of the survey for the Lynx was definitely more about one individual: Sylvia Fowles.

Fowles tied Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury for the title of best center in the league. She was voted the best rebounder by a large margin and she was also voted the best interior defender. On the offensive end, she was voted second only to New York’s Tina Charles in finishing ability.

It’s nice that the WNBA GMs recognize Fowles’ defensive prowess. In a truly bizarre turn, Fowles was left off last year’s All-Defense team despite finishing second in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Fowles also somehow missed out on All-WNBA honors last year despite setting the all-time record for rebounds in a season and rebounds per game in 2018 and matching her numbers from her MVP season in 2017.

While preseason recognition isn’t as important as performance during the season, Fowles is certainly set up for success this year. With more outside shooters around her and a younger, more athletic squad that is going to be looking to get up and down the court more, great things are in store.

In all the talk about the change surrounding the Lynx this year, their most important piece hasn’t changed at all. It’s still Fowles. She is one of the most dominant bigs in the history of the game and she’s the center around which the Lynx orbit. Another MVP is very much in play.

You can see the full results of the 2019 GM survey here.