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According to the Star Tribune, Minnesota Lynx center Janel McCarville will be missing from the lineup this season. Neither the team nor McCarville has released a reason for the center sitting out. The source was described as a "person with knowledge of the situation."
McCarville originally joined the Lynx in a trade prior to the 2013 season
Last season, McCarville averaged 7.9 point, 4.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists over 27 minutes per game. The center filled the role of complimentary player, as she proved the only member of the starting lineup who was not an All-Star.
McCarville would have been entering the final year of her contract with Minnesota.
Minnesota will replace McCarville with Connecticut center Asjha Jones, acquired in exchange for a 2016 Round 2 draft pick. At 34 years old, Jones is a two-time All-Star and has been in the league since 2002.
Jones is a bit of a question mark, however, in that she has not played in the WNBA since the 2012 season due to a number of issues, including an Achilles injury. During the 2012 season, Jones averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds per game.
The veteran will most likely start at the post, but other players will be vying for time at center as well.
Most notable is Amber Harris, who missed last season due to injuries. Rebekkah Brunson and Devereaux Peters look to return healthy and could also see some time at that position. Sophomore Damiris Dantas impressed in her WNBA debut, and fans hope to see even more of her this season.
It will certainly be interesting to see the roster transition and develop heading into training camp.