Napheesa Collier: One of the WNBA’s Elite Stars

Napheesa Collier has established herself as one of the most complete players in the WNBA. The Minnesota Lynx forward is known for her scoring ability, defensive excellence, rebounding, and leadership. Since entering the league in 2019, Collier has consistently been among the league’s top performers while helping the Lynx remain championship contenders.

Beyond her on-court success, she has become one of the faces of women’s basketball through her leadership, community work, and as co-founder of the Unrivaled women’s basketball league.

Napheesa Collier Stats

Collier has produced elite numbers throughout her professional career.

Career highlights include:

• Consistent 20+ points per game scorer during her prime
• Elite rebounder from the forward position
• Strong defender capable of guarding multiple positions
• Excellent efficiency around the basket
• Multiple All-Star selections
• All-WNBA honors
• Defensive Player of the Year recognition

Before her recent injury absence, she averaged approximately:

• Points: 22.9 PPG
• Rebounds: 7.3 RPG
• Assists: 3.2 APG
• Steals: 1.6 SPG

These numbers placed her among the league’s MVP candidates.

Napheesa Collier Injury Update

One of the biggest storylines surrounding Collier has been her recovery from serious ankle injuries.

She suffered significant ligament damage during the 2025 WNBA playoffs and later underwent surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. The rehabilitation process forced her to miss the start of the 2026 WNBA season and the Unrivaled campaign she helped create.

Despite the lengthy recovery, Collier has remained optimistic and worked closely with the Minnesota Lynx medical staff to ensure a complete recovery.

Is Napheesa Collier Playing Today?

Yes.

According to the latest reports, Napheesa Collier has been cleared to return and is expected to make her 2026 season debut for the Minnesota Lynx against the Seattle Storm.

However, head coach Cheryl Reeve confirmed that Collier will initially play under a minutes restriction as the team carefully manages her recovery following ankle surgeries.

Fans should continue checking official game-day injury reports, as her playing time may gradually increase over the coming weeks.

Napheesa Collier’s Husband

Napheesa Collier is married to Alex Bazzell.

Alex Bazzell is a respected basketball trainer who has worked with numerous WNBA and NBA players throughout his career. The couple married in 2022 and welcomed their daughter, Mila, the same year.

Their relationship has become one of the best-known basketball families, with both sharing a passion for growing women’s basketball.

MVP-Caliber Career

Collier has regularly appeared in WNBA MVP discussions thanks to her all-around impact.

Her strengths include:

• Elite scoring
• Versatile defense
• Efficient shooting
• Leadership
• Consistent rebounding
• Ability to perform in clutch situations

She also earned the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award, further proving her value on both ends of the floor.

Career Achievements

Some of Napheesa Collier’s biggest accomplishments include:

• WNBA All-Star
• All-WNBA Team selections
• WNBA Defensive Player of the Year
• Minnesota Lynx franchise cornerstone
• Olympic gold medalist with Team USA
• Co-founder of Unrivaled Basketball
• One of the league’s premier two-way players

Leadership Beyond Basketball

Collier has become an influential voice for women’s sports.

She co-founded Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 league designed to give WNBA players a high-level domestic offseason option instead of playing overseas. The league has attracted many of the sport’s biggest stars and continues to expand its influence.

She has also spoken publicly about player health, league growth, and collective bargaining issues, becoming one of the WNBA’s most respected leaders.

What Makes Napheesa Collier Special?

Several qualities separate Collier from many players in the league:

• Excellent basketball IQ
• Efficient scorer inside and outside
• Outstanding defender
• Strong rebounder
• Team-first mentality
• Leadership both on and off the court

These traits make her one of the most valuable players whenever she is healthy.

What’s Next?

Now that Collier has returned from injury, expectations are high.

If she remains healthy, she could:

• Help Minnesota compete for another WNBA championship.
• Return to All-WNBA form.
• Re-enter the MVP conversation.
• Continue expanding the influence of Unrivaled.
• Cement her place among the greatest forwards of her generation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Napheesa Collier?

Napheesa Collier is a professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx and one of the WNBA’s top forwards.

Is Napheesa Collier playing today?

Yes. She has been cleared to return for the Minnesota Lynx, though she is expected to be on a minutes restriction.

What injury did Napheesa Collier suffer?

She sustained major ankle ligament injuries during the 2025 playoffs and later underwent surgeries on both ankles.

Who is Napheesa Collier’s husband?

Her husband is basketball trainer Alex Bazzell.

Has Napheesa Collier won MVP?

She has been an MVP contender multiple times and won the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award.

Conclusion

Napheesa Collier remains one of the WNBA’s brightest stars. Her combination of scoring, defense, leadership, and resilience has made her indispensable to the Minnesota Lynx and women’s basketball as a whole. Following months of rehabilitation, her return gives Minnesota a significant boost and renews hopes of another deep playoff run. With elite talent and determination, Collier is poised to continue building a legacy that extends well beyond the basketball court.