The Lynx made the playoffs only twice in 12 seasons, had only one winning season, had the worst field-goal percentage in the league last year and lost nine games after holding double-digit leads. Their outlook is rosier this season because ...
1 THE MAYA MOORE ERA BEGINS
Maya Moore was considered one of the top college players in history. The 6-foot rookie forward can shoot, rebound, pass and defend. And she is driven to be great. "We have to raise our intensity level to keep up with her," said teammate Seimone Augustus.
2 KEY PLAYERS ARE HEALTHY AGAIN
Augustus missed the first nine games of last season after abdominal surgery and was seldom at her best when she returned, with career lows in points and field-goal percentage. She is 15 pounds lighter and quicker. Candice Wiggins (knee surgery, ruptured Achilles' tendon) played in only eight games last season. She didn't play in Europe in the offseason and is excited to return.
3 THERE'S STRENGTH IN THE MIDDLE
The Lynx have added 6-2 Taj McWilliams-Franklin, a 12-year veteran, and 6-5 rookie Amber Harris in the post. Coach Cheryl Reeve said McWilliams-Franklin she is invaluable in showing the younger players how to be pro. Harris, the fourth overall choice out of Xavier, has a lot of promise.
4 THE DEPTH IS EXTRAORDINARY
The Lynx could start five players who are candidates for U.S team in the 2012 Olympics. Seven players were among the top four overall picks in their draft year. Three players who averaged more than 10 points last season -- Wiggins, Charde Houston and Monica Wright -- probably will come off the bench.
5 THE COACH IS A ROOKIE NO MORE
Cheryl Reeve learned a lot about herself and her players as well last year during a challenging first season as coach of the Lynx.
