The Seattle Storm will be without three-time league MVP Lauren Jackson for the 2013 season while she recovers from recent hamstring surgery in her native Australia.
The Storm made the roster announcement Wednesday.
Jackson’s contract has been suspended and she is expected to play for Seattle in 2014.
Jackson, who will turn 32 in May. underwent surgery last month in Melbourne and is expected to make a full recovery, but she thought she was not well enough to compete this summer.
“Clearly I was not going to be fit, ready or confident for the demands of the WNBA season,” Jackson said in a statement from the Storm. “The Seattle Storm have been so supportive to me over many seasons, it’s only fair I give them the best possible opportunity and time to prepare for this coming season.”
Seattle coach and general manager Brian Agler said in the statement he supports Jackson’s decision to heal.
“We support Lauren’s decision to take time off and let her body fully recover,” Agler said. “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, a forward, has not played a full season since 2010, when the Seattle Storm won its second league title. In nine games last year after the London Olympics, she averaged a career-low 10.2 points.
WAUTERS OUT FOR 2013
In addition to Jackson, the Storm announced that center Ann Wauters will not be on the roster for the upcoming season.
Wauters decided to rest this summer and spend time with her family instead of participating in the WNBA this season.
“(Wauters) is a fantastic person and great player. We wish her the best of luck in the future,” Agler said.
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