Minnesota Lynx Star Napheesa Collier Takes Indefinite Leave Amid Family Tragedy..

In a heartbreaking announcement that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is stepping away from the team indefinitely following a tragic shooting incident involving her husband, Alex Bazzell, earlier this week in Minneapolis. The Lynx organization confirmed the news on Thursday, emphasizing their full support for Collier during this difficult time.

 

Collier, 28, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the 2024 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been a cornerstone of the Lynx’s success. Last season, she led the team to the WNBA Finals, averaging 26.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, and elite defensive stats in the playoffs. Her leadership extended beyond the court as co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league with Breanna Stewart. Fans and teammates alike have praised her resilience, especially as a mother to 2-year-old daughter Mila, balancing elite athletics with family life.

 

The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in a South Minneapolis neighborhood, where Bazzell, 34, a prominent NBA and WNBA skills coach and president of Unrivaled Basketball, was caught in a drive-by shooting. Authorities report that Bazzell was walking near their family home when gunfire erupted from a passing vehicle. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds to the upper body and was rushed to Hennepin County Medical Center in critical condition. As of Thursday, Bazzell remains in intensive care, undergoing surgery, with doctors describing his injuries as life-threatening but stable. The shooting appears linked to a broader wave of urban violence in the Twin Cities, though police have not ruled out a targeted motive. No arrests have been made, and the investigation is ongoing, with the FBI assisting due to potential connections to recent high-profile incidents.

 

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who also coached Collier to Olympic gold in Paris 2024, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow. “Napheesa is not just a star player; she’s family. Our hearts are with her, Alex, and Mila during this unimaginable ordeal. The team will rally together, but right now, her well-being comes first.” Teammates, including Finals rival Stewart, flooded social media with messages of support, with Stewart posting, “Praying for Phee and her family. She’s the strongest person I know—sending all our love.”

 

Collier and Bazzell, married since 2022, met during her UConn days when he trained her as a freshman. Their bond has been a public inspiration, with Bazzell often crediting Collier’s drive for his own success in coaching stars like Kyrie Irving. The couple announced Mila’s birth in 2022, and Collier has openly discussed the joys and challenges of motherhood amid her grueling schedule. “Alex takes on so much so I can chase my dreams,” she told Us Weekly in October 2024. “He’s my rock.”

 

This tragedy strikes amid a turbulent year for Minneapolis, following the June assassinations of state Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, and a separate school shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church on Wednesday that claimed two young lives. Community leaders, including Mayor Jacob Frey, have decried the surge in gun violence, calling for stricter measures on high-capacity magazines and assault weapons.

 

The Lynx, currently in preseason preparations for the 2025 campaign, face uncertainty without their star forward. General Manager Rebekkah Brunson noted, “We’ll adjust as needed, but Napheesa’s health and family are paramount. The WNBA family stands united.” Fans have begun a #PrayForPhee campaign on social media, sharing stories of how Collier’s perseverance motivated them.

 

As details emerge, the focus remains on recovery and healing. Collier’s indefinite leave underscores the human side of professional sports, reminding us that even superstars need time to navigate personal storms. The basketball world holds its breath, hoping for Bazzell’s swift recovery and Collier’s return stronger than ever

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