Storm's Jackson to sit out 2013 WNBA season

Feb 6, 2013 - 9:01 PM Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - The Seattle Storm announced Wednesday that center Lauren Jackson will not play for the team in 2013.

Instead, the three-time WNBA MVP has decided to remain in Australia to continue rehabbing from a recent procedure performed on her hamstring.

"While it's heartfelt and disappointing for me not to be joining my teammates in Seattle for the coming season, I have to be fair to the club and give them enough time to prepare for my absence this season and make the best decision for all concerned," said Jackson, whose contract has been suspended. "Although my surgery has been successful and post-operative medical opinion is that I will make a full recovery, clearly I was not going to be fit, ready or confident for the demands of the WNBA season."

Jackson fully intends to play for the Storm in 2014.

"We support Lauren's decision to take time off and let her body fully recover," said Storm head coach and general manager Brian Agler. "Lauren is the best player in the world at her position so it will be impossible to replace her but we are moving forward."

Jackson has averaged 18.9 points and 7.7 rebounds in 317 career games with Seattle.

The Storm also announced that center Ann Wauters will not return.