Could the Minnesota Lynx win it all even without Napheesa Collier? It's a question that has many WNBA fans and analysts scratching their heads. On the surface, the answer seems to be a resounding 'no'. After all, Collier is the team's best player, and her absence has undoubtedly left a gaping hole in the lineup. But, as we delve deeper into the numbers and the team's performance, a different picture emerges. The Minnesota Lynx have been on a tear this season, with a 10-2 record and a top-ranked offensive and defensive rating. This dominance has been largely attributed to the play of rookie star Olivia Miles and veteran center Natasha Howard. Miles, in particular, has been a revelation, providing the team with much-needed backcourt playmaking and earning herself the title of runaway favorite for Rookie of the Year. Howard, meanwhile, has been playing like a seasoned veteran, turning back the clock and commanding the league's top-ranked defensive unit. The team's success without Collier can be attributed to their ability to adapt and play small. This approach, while potentially problematic in the long run, has proven to be a winning formula so far. However, the question remains: can the Lynx truly contend for a title without Collier? The answer, it seems, is a cautious 'yes'. While the team's depth and versatility have allowed them to thrive without their best player, there are still concerns about their ability to match up with the league's elite teams. The Lynx's only loss this season was to the Atlanta Dream, and the return of Brionna Jones and Angel Reese could pose a significant challenge. Additionally, the team's small-ball approach may not be sustainable in the long run, and the wear and tear of playing without Collier could become a problem. Nevertheless, the Lynx have proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with, and their title chances without Collier are not entirely out of the question. In fact, with a bit of luck and some strategic adjustments, they may just be able to pull off the unthinkable and win it all. So, while the odds may be stacked against them, the Minnesota Lynx have certainly earned the right to be taken seriously as title contenders, even without their best player. In my opinion, the Lynx's ability to adapt and thrive without Collier is a testament to the strength and depth of their roster. While there are certainly challenges ahead, the team has shown that they are more than capable of competing at the highest level. As for Collier's return, it certainly changes the math and would make the Lynx an even more formidable force. But, for now, the Lynx can take comfort in the fact that they are one of the league's elite teams, even without one of its best players. So, will the Lynx win it all without Collier? Only time will tell. But, one thing is certain: they have certainly earned the right to be in the conversation.
