Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

The 2001 Minnesota Lynx centered their offense around Katie Smith, whose scoring, shooting, and playmaking made her the team’s driving force. Betty Lennox complemented her with balanced production, while Merlakia Jones directed the offense and added defensive value. Minnesota’s strengths included perimeter shooting, free-throw accuracy, and ball movement, but inconsistent interior scoring, average rebounding, and defensive limitations made it difficult to sustain offensive efficiency throughout the season.

HeatingUp Impact Index: Team Impact Spotlight

Player Name Role Tier MPG Usage Tier PPG RPG APG STK (SPG + BPG) Impact Index Notes Awards
Katie Smith Starter/Star [1.1] 38.6 High [1.2] 23.1 3.8 2.2 0.9 76.80 Elite scoring guard who carried Seattle’s offense through volume shooting, free-throw pressure, and late-clock shot creation. Smith was the team’s primary perimeter weapon, attacking defenses off the dribble while stretching the floor with seven-plus three-point attempts per game. Her ability to handle such a large offensive role made her one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. WNBA All-Star (2002), All-WNBA First Team (2002)
Svetlana Abrosimova Starter/Star [1.1] 32.5 Medium [1.1] 13.3 6.7 2.0 1.9 55.18 Versatile wing who gave Seattle a rare combination of size, rebounding, and perimeter skill, Abrosimova filled the all-around role coaches wanted from a young cornerstone. Her defensive activity and ability to contribute across categories made her valuable beyond scoring, with reporters often noting her athleticism and transition ability. WNBA All-Rookie Team (2001)
Betty Lennox Starter/Star [1.1] 21.9 High [1.2] 11.0 4.9 1.5 1.3 43.63 Aggressive scoring guard who provided instant offense in a smaller role, Lennox remained one of Seattle’s most explosive attackers. Her efficient free-throw shooting and willingness to take difficult perimeter shots reflected the confidence placed in her scoring ability, even with a reduced workload during this season. WNBA Champion (2004), WNBA Most Improved Player (2001)
Erin Perperoglou Key Contributor [1.05] 22.7 Low [1.0] 5.7 3.7 1.9 1.7 27.30 Athletic forward who impacted games through energy plays and defensive versatility, Perperoglou earned minutes by doing the small things around Seattle’s stars. Her 0.9 blocks per game from the forward spot highlighted her ability to protect the rim, while her role focused more on activity than offensive volume. —
Lynn Pride Key Contributor [1.05] 22.3 Low [1.0] 5.3 4.6 0.9 1.5 25.52 Physical interior forward who provided rebounding and defensive toughness, Pride helped balance a roster built around perimeter scoring. Her role was centered on battling inside, creating extra possessions, and defending stronger frontcourt opponents rather than creating offense. —
Kate Paye Key Contributor [1.05] 20.4 Low [1.0] 2.8 1.9 3.0 0.7 22.68 Steady reserve guard who operated as a facilitator and tempo controller, Paye’s value came from organizing the offense and keeping possessions moving. Her three assists per game showed the trust coaches had in her decision-making, especially when Seattle’s primary scorers needed rest. —
Val Whiting-Raymond Key Contributor [1.05] 17.8 Low [1.0] 3.4 3.2 0.6 1.1 17.33 Veteran forward who contributed defensive awareness and rebounding in a limited role, Whiting-Raymond provided experience in matchups where Seattle needed versatility. Her impact came more from positioning and toughness than offensive production. WNBA Champion (2004)
Kristi Harrower Bench [1.0] 18.0 Low [1.0] 5.3 1.0 2.8 0.8 19.80 Skilled Australian guard who gave Seattle efficient perimeter minutes during a short stretch of the season. Harrower’s shooting confidence and ability to handle the ball stood out, with her international experience helping her adapt quickly to the WNBA pace. Olympic Silver Medalist (2004)
Georgia Schweitzer Bench [1.0] 17.6 Low [1.0] 3.5 2.1 1.4 0.8 15.60 Young perimeter player used as a developmental rotation piece, Schweitzer provided spacing attempts and secondary ball handling. Her role was mainly about gaining experience within a veteran-heavy guard group rather than carrying offensive responsibility. —
Maylana Martin Bench [1.0] 15.9 Low [1.0] 3.1 2.8 0.6 1.0 15.00 Athletic reserve forward who brought energy and defensive activity whenever she entered the game. Martin’s minutes were built around hustle, rebounding, and physical play, giving Seattle another frontcourt option behind its main rotation players. —
Shanele Stires Bench [1.0] 11.2 Low [1.0] 2.8 1.5 0.8 0.6 11.40 Reserve guard who supplied occasional scoring and perimeter shooting in limited opportunities. Stires’ role was primarily depth-oriented, with her minutes coming behind Seattle’s established backcourt rotation. —
Michele Van Gorp Bench [1.0] 11.0 Low [1.0] 1.9 1.5 0.5 0.4 8.60 Backup center who provided size and interior depth, Van Gorp’s contributions came mainly through rebounding and defensive positioning. Her limited offensive role reflected Seattle’s preference for using its primary scorers on the perimeter. —
Janell Burse Bench [1.0] 8.5 Low [1.0] 2.4 2.1 0.3 0.9 11.40 Young center developing behind veteran frontcourt options, Burse showed flashes as a rebounder and shot blocker in short appearances. Her physical tools were evident, but her role remained focused on growth and providing interior depth. WNBA Champion (2004)
Seattle Storm Totals – – – 84.5 38.1 16.5 14.6 351.05 Team statistical totals based on listed player averages. Seattle’s offense revolved around Katie Smith’s elite perimeter scoring, with Svetlana Abrosimova providing two-way versatility and a deep rotation supplying defense, rebounding, and secondary creation. —