When the Lynx finally get around to making their first pick in Monday night's WNBA draft, the most important skill that person might need is patience.
For the second year in a row the Lynx have the 12th and final pick in the first round.
In all, the Lynx have four picks in three rounds. There is a good possibility that just one — and perhaps none — of those picks will still be around when the Lynx begin defense of their 2013 league title in May. That's what happens when a prospect joins a team that has won two of the past three WNBA titles and is returning its top eight players.
"The goal would be along the lines of we want to get a player who can help us, probably in the future," Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith said.
The Lynx's entire starting five is back, as are top backups Monica Wright and Devereaux Peters. Last year's first-round draft pick, guard Lindsey Moore, is expected to make a big jump in her development in her second season.
So that doesn't leave a whole lot of jobs available.
Backup center Amber Harris, who injured her knee late last fall, will not be back. Australian Rachel Jarry, who was a backup wing player last season, is not likely in the picture either. Guard Sugar Rodgers is expected to be in camp but will have to earn her position for a second season.
"The best player available is going to come in and compete against whoever is [also at her position]," Griffith said.