MINNEAPOLIS — She didn't even have to change her work address.
Five-time WNBA champion and Minnesota Lynx great Rebekkah Brunson announced her retirement as a player Tuesday, only to have Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve announce that Brunson will immediately join her coaching staff.
“I put a lot of thought into these upcoming decisions because I love this city and this organization and always want to make sure I do what’s best for them, my family and the game,” Brunson said in a statement. “In that, I have decided to retire as a player and join the Minnesota Lynx coaching staff. I am excited for the opportunity to continue building the Lynx legacy."
As assistant coach Brunson will help with scouting efforts, as well as player development with the team's post players. She'll be the third former Lynx player on the staff, joining Katie Smith and Plenette Pierson.
Brunson will also become the second player in franchise history to have her number hoisted to the rafters of Target Center. The power forward is a record five-time WNBA champion, with a career spanning 15 seasons. Over that time Brunson averaged 9.2 points (on 46.6% shooting), 7.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game. She appeared in a league-record 34 WNBA Finals games, with playoff averages of 8.4 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. She's the league's all-time leader in postseason wins with 57 career victories.
Brunson retires as the WNBA's all-time leader in total rebounds (3,356) and offensive rebounds (1,166).
In the Twin Cities, Brunson is also well known as an analyst for Fox Sports North's Timberwolves coverage, and the co-owner of Sweet Gypsy Waffles with her wife, Bobbi.
