The Backbone Of The Lynx Is Returning

Lynx fans can sleep a little easier.

Eight-time All-Star Seimone Augustus will return for season No. 14, the team announced on Saturday morning.

Augustus, known for her crossover and her kicks, has been the backbone and smiling face of the Lynx since 2006.

When you combine Augustus’ skill level (future Hall of Famer), personality (kind and hilarious) and her loyalty (she’s certainly had opportunities to go elsewhere), you realize just how lucky the Lynx and their fans are. Players who can play like Augustus are generational talents. Players who act as humble as Augustus are harder to find.

“Seimone Augustus epitomizes what it means to be a Minnesota Lynx,” said Head Coach and General Manager Cheryl Reeve in the team’s press release. “She’s the most loyal and committed player in franchise history and has provided many thrills for Lynx and WNBA fans throughout the years. I’m excited Seimone will continue to provide these moments as a member of the Lynx.”

Throughout her 13-year career, Augustus has averaged 16.3 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 48.2 percent from the field. Augustus has shot better than 50 percent from the field six times, which is incredible considering she does most of her damage in the midrange.

The icing on the cake, of course, is the four championships Augustus has helped lead the Lynx to. She was named the 2011 Finals MVP after the Lynx swept the Dream. She averaged 24.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.7 assists in the series. It seemed perfect Augustus was named MVP considering she was on the Lynx when the Lynx weren’t known as the gold standard in the WNBA. But she led the charge changing that narrative and that stretch continues to the present. Augustus is still standing, and contributing.

Sacrifices have been made. Augustus was the go-to scorer on the Lynx when her career started. That changed when Maya Moore was drafted first overall in 2011. There were no complaints. Augustus saw her shot attempts go from 18.2 in 2006 to 13.5 in 2011, but it meant winning and it was easy to see that’s all Augustus has cared about.

“I couldn’t be more excited to be re-signing with the only place I’ve called home in the WNBA,” said Augustus. “Being a member of this franchise means a lot to me and my family and I’m ready to continue what we’ve built here; and that’s a championship group.”

In 2017 when the Lynx’s offense revolved around Sylvia Fowles and less around the perimeter, Augustus again adjusted. What did she do? She averaged a career-high 4.0 assists per game (a +1.6 increase from the previous season) while still managing to shoot a scorching 50.2 percent from the field and 43.2 percent from the 3-point line.

Last season, Augustus averaged 10.8 points per game and ended the season hitting double digits in seven-straight contests. Her 46.7 field-goal percentage ranked third among guards in the league. And she was extremely durable, appearing in 33 games, the most she’s played since the 2011 season.

Things have changed through the years in Lynx headquarters. Sports, like life, are about adjusting and Augustus has done a better job than anyone doing that and staying effective throughout.

One day, Augustus’ No. 33 jersey will be in the rafters at Target Center.

For the 2019 season, it will be on the floor. And that’s good news for the Lynx.