When the Minnesota Lynx decided to shake up their roster earlier this week, they shockingly decided to waive Layshia Clarendon and Crystal Dangerfield.
Clarendon came into the 2022 season expecting to play a significant role after appearing in 21 games (making 20 starts), averaging 10.4 points and 5.7 assists per game. Dangerfield, the 2020 WNBA Rookie of the Year, was also an integral member of last year’s Lynx roster, appearing in 31 games and averaging 7.7 points, 2.0 boards, and 2.8 dimes per game.
*Sighhhhh*
— Layshia Clarendon (@Layshiac) May 3, 2022
💔🤯😡🤢😶
In Clarendon’s case, Coach Cheryl Reeve implied that the stress fracture Clarendon suffered last year was why she was waived.
“Our thinking was I have a point guard who can’t be in every rep and has to be modified and, you know, at the drop of a hat, might have some soreness or things like that,” Reeve told the Star Tribune on Tuesday. “It doesn’t feel like the right thing to do to start the season. Would I love to have Lay back at some point? Absolutely.”
But before their release, Clarendon stated on Lynx Media Day that they were coming into the season in good shape and ready to play after rehabbing their leg injury.
“I’m coming in (in) really good shape, especially coming off my leg injury. But I’m not worried about my leg. My trainer’s been awesome; I’ve come back over the last month or so, doing full-court running and cutting and everything.”
After the release, Clarendon reiterated that they were ‘100% cleared to play and practice. I’m feeling strong and ready to play!’
I’ve gotten a few media requests for comments on being waived and my injury. I have no comments other than I am 100% cleared to play and practice. I’m feeling strong and ready to play!
— Layshia Clarendon (@Layshiac) May 4, 2022
It’s still possible that Minnesota will re-sign not only Clarendon and Dangerfield but also 2021 first-round draft pick Rennia Davis who didn’t play last year due to a stress fracture in his left foot.
