Connecticut Sun coach Mike Thibault isn't counting on Lindsay Whalen's presence in the starting lineup in the opener May 20 against the New York Liberty.
"If she were able to play opening day, that would be a surprise to me," Thibault said Monday at the Sun's preseason media day at Mohegan Sun Arena. "If she plays, it's a bonus. I'm preparing to play without her until I see differently."
Whalen had surgery on her left ankle Jan. 10, and rehabilitation was expected to run four to five months. It's uncertain when she'll be back.
She broke a bone in her left knee in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals against Indiana, then sprained the ankle in the first game of the WNBA Finals against Sacramento. She tried to play but was ineffective as the Monarchs won the title.
The Sun opened training camp Monday with 19 players on the roster. The only player missing from last year's team is forward Brooke Wyckoff, who was selected by the Chicago Sky in the expansion draft. There are six newcomers.
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Sun Might Open Without Whalen
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