Napheesa Collier has raised fresh injury concerns after she was seen using a leg scooter and wearing a cast on her left leg at a basketball camp in Minnesota. The sighting comes just weeks before the 2026 WNBA season is set to begin. It has now put her availability for the Minnesota Lynx in doubt again.
Napheesa Collier’s Latest Appearance Raises Concerns Ahead of the 2026 WNBA Season
Concern around Collier grew after she was spotted at her annual Hopkins basketball camp, held at Hopkins High School, using a leg scooter. She was seen alongside Paige Bueckers and Rachel Banham during the appearance.
A post on X from WNBA reporter Andrew Dukowitz sharing the update reads, “Unfortunate Lynx news. Collier was seen at her annual Hopkins basketball camp using a leg scooter and a cast on her left leg. I did check in with the Lynx and they had no comment at this time. Until I hear more I’m staying positive.”
This development comes months after Collier underwent surgery on both ankles. Back in January, ESPN’s Kendra Andrews reported, “WNBA star Napheesa Collier will undergo surgery on her ankles, sidelining her for four to six months and forcing her to miss the upcoming Unrivaled season.”
Collier’s injury troubles began during the 2025 WNBA season. On Aug. 2, she sprained her right ankle against the Las Vegas Aces.
Then in September, during Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury, she tore three ligaments in her left ankle. That injury ended her season and also ended the Lynx’s championship hopes.
The injuries added up and led to surgery on both ankles. Because of that, Collier also missed the 2026 Unrivaled season. Now, nearly three months after surgery, her latest appearance suggests she may still be far from full fitness.
If the recovery timeline stretches closer to six months, Collier may not return until around July 2026. The WNBA season is scheduled to begin on May 8, 2026, which could mean she misses at least the first month of the season.
This is a major concern for the Lynx. Collier has been their most important player. She has played seven seasons with the team after being selected sixth overall in the 2019 WNBA Draft. She is also a five-time All-Star and had a strong 2025 season, averaging 22.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists while shooting over 53% from the field.
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Her absence could again impact Minnesota’s title push. Last season, her injury played a big role in ending their playoff run.
Now, with the new WNBA season close and a recent CBA agreement finally in place after a long standoff, the focus should have been on a fresh start. Instead, Collier’s health is once again the biggest question for the Lynx heading into 2026.
