The Seattle Storm announced on Wednesday that Lauren Jackson will not compete with the team in 2013.
Jackson, who recently underwent surgery to repair a hamstring injury will remain in Australia to rehabilitate the injury. Her contract with the Storm has been suspended and she is expected to return to the team 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 released a statement on her decision on Wednesday.
“While it’s heartfelt and disappointing for me not to be joining my teammates in Seattle for the coming season,” Jackson said, “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. 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. 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. My main and only focus at the moment is to get my body right through fitness, strength and skills. After that I will look at my options and an on court plan that best suits me for the future as I want to play on for some time yet.”
In addition, the Storm announced that center Ann Wauters will not return. She has chosen to spend the summer resting and with her family and does not plan to participate in the WNBA in 2013.
The Storm roster now stands at nine players.
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