Veteran guard Layshia Clarendon found a new team after being out of a job for just a week. Clarendon is now a member of the Minnesota Lynx, just seven days after being waived by the New York Liberty. The Lynx announced Wednesday that the newly-acquired Aerial Powers would be out indefinitely with a hamstring strain. So what does Clarendon bring to their new team?
On Court Impact
First of all, she brings much-needed guard depth to the table. With Powers on the sideline, only Crystal Dangerfield, Rachel Banham and Kayla McBride remain on the roster. Dangerfield is the easy starter at point guard and McBride slots in a shooting guard. Having a solid presence off the bench will help the Lynx stabilize, especially with Napheesa Collier set to return.
https://twitter.com/Layshiac/status/1397574767411007490
Furthermore, she brings a much-needed shooting touch to the team. The Lynx are currently last in the league in 3-point percentage (23.2 percent). Clarendon shot a career-high from distance a season ago (34.1 percent) and should be able to bring that to the table given the opportunity.
Beyond the Ordinary
Ultimately, the league is just a better place with Layshia Clarendon in it. They are the vice president of the WNBPA and one of the most respected leaders in the league. Trying to accept that the league could not find a place for them a week ago was too hard to imagine given their level of talent and professionalism. They are a team player and will be a great mentor for the second-year Dangerfield, the reigning Rookie of the Year. The Lynx are also often at the forefront of the social justice movements that the WNBA is so closely associated with. Clarendon fits that culture to a tee. Clarendon has never been afraid to stand up for what they believe is right. The fit on and off the court is seamless.
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