The Lynx have hired James Wade as assistant coach, filling the replacement created when Jim Petersen stepped down from the position in late January.

"I am excited about the addition of James to our coaching staff,'' Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said in a statement. "He quickly emerged as the top candidate for this position because of his array of experiences as a player in Europe for 13 years as well as a coach for the San Antonio Stars for the last four seasons.''

Wade joined the Stars as a basketball coaching intern in 2012. A year later he was made an assistant coach by the Stars, a position he held for four seasons. During his time in San Antonio, Wade coordinated the Stars' defense and was responsible for leading individual player development. He also helped in video work and game planning.

With the Lynx he will be involved in scouting, talent evaluation and player development.

Wade, 41, is a Memphis, Tenn. native who graduated in 1998 from Kennesaw State University. A dual citizen of France and the United Stats, Wade played professionally overseas in the United Kingdom, France, Russia, Spain, the Czech Republic and Belgium from 2001-2013. He has also worked for teams overseas during his WNBA off-seasons.

"James will make an impact in the areas of in-game strategizing, opponent preparation and player development,'' Reeve said. "I'm looking forward to working with him and continuing to build our franchise's success.''

Wade is married to former San Antonio Stars guard and French national team member Edwige Lawson-Wade. They have a son, James III.