Lynx could squeeze extra player onto roster before season opener

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve opened training camp weeks ago thinking salary cap constraints would mean Minnesota would open the regular season with 11 players, one under the league maximum.

That could change.

After Thursday's practice Reeve said the team might be able to figure out a way to fit 12 players under the cap, which would mean rookies Alexis Jones, Temi Fagbenle and Shao Ting would all make the roster.

"It's possible," Reeve said. "It's doable."

Final rosters have to be submitted to the WNBA by 4 p.m. Friday. The Lynx open the regular season Sunday at Xcel Energy Center against Chicago.

The league's annual survey of the 12 general managers has come out. A quick Lynx summary:

• The Lynx were picked to win the title, getting five of 12 votes. Minnesota and the Los Angeles Sparks tied for Western Conference favorites.

• Maya Moore was voted the league's top forward, best finisher, most dangerous in the open floor, best at getting her own shot and the best player to take a last-second shot, and was tied for first with the league's most effective move. Her pull-up jumper tied with Seimone Augustus' crossover and Tina Charles' hook.

• Lindsay Whalen was voted the leagues' toughest player. She finished second in the category of the league's best leader.

• Sylvia Fowles tied with Charles for best center. Fowles was voted best interior defender.

• Reeve was voted best overall coach and best manager/motivator of people.

• Fox Sports North announced it will carry more Lynx games this season, a total of 17. Combined with seven games to be televised by ESPN2, 24 of 34 games will be available on television.

• Both Moore and Plenette Pierson returned to practice Thursday after dealing with injuries.