Jun 22, 2008 - 11:50 AM
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A struggling player despite being drafted first overall in 2003, Thomas was acquired for reserve guard Eshaya Murphy.
In her sixth season, the 6-2 Thomas is averaging just 1.1 points and 0.7 rebounds in seven games in what was her first season with Detroit. Last year, the former No. 1 pick scored 7.7 points and grabbed 2.2 rebounds for Los Angeles.
A career 9.8 scorer, Thomas should help a Lynx squad that has dropped their last five games to fall to fourth in the Western Conference at 6-6.
"While we are very thankful for all that Shay has done for the Minnesota Lynx organization, we could not pass up the opportunity to acquire a player like LaToya Thomas," Lynx general manager and COO Roger Griffith said. "We are bringing in the top overall pick in the 2003 WNBA draft, and we feel that LaToya can be a big contributor to this team as we strive to return to the playoffs this season."
Thomas becomes the third No. 1 pick to play for Minnesota this season, joining Seimone Augustus and Lindsey Harding.
In her second year, Murphy has appeared in just two games with Minnesota this season, scoring two points. Last season, the 5-11 guard averaged 5.2 points and 3.3 rebounds.
