The Minnesota Lynx began patch-work for their 2013 roster on Friday, with the announcement that reserve guard Erin Thorn was waived.
Gauging the motive behind the transaction may take time to uncover. Unlike previous years, Minnesota does not have a high first-round draft pick to bolster their roster, although most of their team remains under contract. On top of that, Minnesota still has rights to several draft picks over the last several years who have not signed a contract, making space a priority for the team.
Despite those needs, several fans and media members suggested Thorn was heavily under-used during her single season in Minnesota. Her long-distance accuracy and ball control skills were expected to relieve comrades like Candice Wiggins, whose offense has shifted toward a one-dimensional approach. Instead, Thorn was sparingly used, usually appearing in "stat-padding" time.
By the time Thorn saw extended usage on the floor at the end of the regular season, the Lynx had already charted their destiny that ultimately led to collapse in the WNBA Finals.
Officially, Thorn appeared in 26 regular season games, averaging 7.5 minutes per appearance. Her point production increased during the playoffs, largely because she and other Lynx reserves were inserted early in game 3 of the Finals during a blowout loss.
Thorn's best numbers during the season included 17 points in a win at Phoenix on Sept. 21 of last year, and five assists in a loss at Los Angeles on Sept. 20.
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