Lynx forward Napheesa Collier named WNBA Rookie of Year

Napheesa Collier Kia Nurse
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, left, drives toward the basket with New York Liberty guard Kia Nurse (5) defending during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019, in White Plains, N.Y.
Kathy Willens | AP

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has been named the WNBA Rookie of the Year.

Collier is one of four unanimous selections on the All-Rookie Team announced Monday. The others are Indiana Fever center Teaira McCowan, Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale and Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Young. Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner also was chosen in voting by the league's 12 head coaches.

The 6-foot-1 Collier was drafted out of Connecticut with the sixth overall pick last spring. She's the first Lynx winner of the award since Maya Moore in 2011. Collier averaged 13.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.9 steals in a league-high 33.3 minutes, while starting all 34 regular-season games.

Collier became the fourth player in WNBA history to record at least 400 points, 200 rebounds, 75 assists, 50 steals, 25 blocks and 25 three-pointers made in a season, joining Moore, Tamika Catchings and Sheryl Swoopes.

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