Unrivaled Co-Founder Benches Herself
Unrivaled Co-Founder Benches Herself: Phee’s Ankles File for Divorce
It is the ultimate "party foul." You spend years planning an elite get-together, you invite all your coolest friends, you co-found the entire venue... and then you have to stay home because your feet decided to go on strike.
That is the unfortunate reality for Minnesota Lynx star and Unrivaled co-founder Napheesa Collier, who will miss the upcoming Unrivaled season after announcing she needs surgery on both ankles. Yes, both. At the same time. The recovery timeline is four to six months, which means Phee will be spending the winter moving around with the grace of a penguin on ice.
The "I'm Fine" Jinx
Just a few weeks ago, during a virtual press conference on Dec. 16, Collier was channeling her inner Monty Python "‘Tis but a scratch" energy. She claimed she didn't need surgery and was working toward 100%.
However, a joint medical staff in Miami and Minnesota took a look at her progress and essentially said, "Yeah, about that..."
It turns out that tearing three ligaments in your left ankle during the WNBA semifinals against the Phoenix Mercury (a series the Lynx lost, adding insult to injury) and spraining the right one back in August requires more than just ice and positive thinking.
The Replacement
Stepping in to fill Collier’s shoes on the Lunar Owls BC roster is Golden State Valkyries forward Temi Fagbenle. No pressure, Temi. You’re just replacing the boss. Try not to break anything.
The Star Power Vacuum
This is a tough blow for Unrivaled as it tips off Season 2 on Monday, Jan. 5. The league was already missing the "Big Four" of mainstream traffic drivers: Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, A'ja Wilson, and Sabrina Ionescu. Losing Collier—a legitimate top-10 player and the face of the operation—is like the Avengers trying to fight Thanos without Captain America or Iron Man.
Sure, we still have heavy hitters like Paige Bueckers, Kelsey Plum, Breanna Stewart, and Brittney Griner. The cupboard isn't bare. But with the rival "Project B" league looming in the shadows like a jealous ex, Unrivaled needs all the star power it can get.
What’s Next?
Collier will head to New York City for surgery with Dr. Martin O'Malley (the ankle whisperer). Meanwhile, Unrivaled will have to prove it can still dazzle fans even when its founder is stuck on the couch with her feet elevated.
Get well soon, Phee. The league will try not to burn down while you're gone.
