Minnesota Lynx waive former Top 10 pick after loss to Chicago Sky

The Minnesota Lynx have waived forward Alissa Pili, ending her two-year tenure with the team. Pili, the 8th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, was unable to secure a consistent role in the Lynx rotation during her first two seasons.

Across 36 career games, Pili averaged 2.2 points and 1.2 rebounds in 6.1 minutes per game. Her best performance this season was an 8-point effort in 10 minutes against the Sparks on June 14th, but she failed to earn a larger role before being waived midseason.

Pili previously acknowledged the mental challenge of receiving frequent "Did Not Play" designations, especially during the Lynx's WNBA Finals run last year, stating it "definitely taken a toll." However, she also expressed gratitude for the rare opportunity to be part of a successful team as a rookie, calling it a "great learning experience."

The article highlights the contrast with Pili's elite college career, where she averaged 16.3 points per game as a USC freshman and was one of the nation's most efficient scorers at Utah in her senior season, averaging 21.4 points on 55% shooting, including 40.4% from three-point range.

The Lynx announced Pili's waiver shortly after their loss to the Chicago Sky. Despite the loss, Minnesota holds the WNBA's best record at 18-4. The team is expected to sign another player to fill Pili's roster spot, but no replacement has been named yet.