Diamond Miller Injury Update: Minnesota forward undergoes surgery, will be out for an extended period

By Sean Cavanaugh

Modified May 29, 2024 21:55 GMT

WNBA forward Diamond Miller underwent successful surgery on her right knee and will be out for an indefinite period, the Minnesota Lynx announced on Wednesday. Miller, the No. 2 pick in the 2023 draft, was a major reason the Lynx made the semifinals last season.

Miller had a slow start to the season dealing with her injury. She started all three games she appeared in, averaging 4.3 points and 2.0 rebounds in 14.0 minutes per game.

Miller put up 12.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 26.1 mpg last season. She struggled offensively in the playoff semifinals. She managed just 5.3 ppg in the series loss to the Connecticut Sun.

How will the WNBA Minnesota Lynx replace Diamond Miller?

The Minnesota Lynx will have to shorten their rotation without Diamond Miller. Their frontcourt depth has taken a hit. However, Miller was not contributing huge minutes or scoring and the Lynx have had no issues running to a 4-1 record.

Minnesota will rely on its stars. The Lynx are a guard-heavy team with All-Star Napheesa Collier leading the way. Collier is averaging 23.0 ppg and is fourth in the league in scoring. She is also grabbing 10.4 rpg as she carries the water for the Lynx in multiple ways. She may be crashing the glass even more without Diamond Miller in the lineup.

Alanna Smith will have a larger load down low. She has 16.0 ppg and 5.0 rpg this season and could increase those rebounding numbers with more touches near the paint.

The Lynx also have insane guard depth with Kayla McBride and Courtney Williams. McBride is averaging 17.2 ppg, and Williams is putting up 11.8 ppg.

Bridget Carleton will need to step up to fill some of the missing Miller minutes. She was playing 28.0 mpg but that will likely bump up into the 30s. She will also likely take Miller’s starting role on a full-time basis until Miller is healthy.

The Lynx have a three-game homestand upcoming. It begins with a strong test against the two-time defending champion Las Vegas Aces (3-1) at home on Wednesday.

The first meeting between the two is a major matchup in the Western Conference. The game could set the table for the Lynx to see if this is the season they finally get back to the top tier of title contenders.