WNBA legend Candace Parker reacted to the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Each new franchise selected 11 players from existing WNBA teams to build its inaugural roster.
Portland chose defensive standout Nika Muhl despite a knee injury that will keep her out for a second straight season. The 25-year-old Croatian tore her right ACL during a EuroBasket qualifying game for Croatia on March 11.
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Muhl’s first major injury came on Oct. 3, 2024. She tore her left ACL during her debut for Turkish club Besiktas in the FIBA SuperCup. Due to the injury, the 5-foot-11 guard missed the 2024-25 WNBA season. Muhl has spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Storm and appeared in only 16 games.
Nika Muhl speaking to the media.Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
In the latest episode of her “Post Moves” podcast with Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, Parker discussed the draft results. Muhl stood out because of her injury history. The two-time WNBA MVP expressed deep sympathy for Muhl, who underwent surgery on April 1.
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“Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo have selected their rosters,” Parker said. “Does anybody jump out at you? Well, one that jumps out is Nika Muhl. She just tore her ACL for a second year in a row in EuroBasket. I feel so sad for her.”
Parker also commented on the construction of the league’s two newest franchises, comparing Portland’s roster with Toronto’s. While Portland gambled on the future recovery of an injured player, Toronto prioritized offensive depth and reliable floor spacing.
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Parker praised Toronto’s acquisitions of guards Julie Allemand and Marina Mabrey. She also liked the selection of forward Nikolina Milic. According to Parker, the roster reflects the tactical preferences of head coach Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA championship coach.
“So I think this roster, if I’m grading, is better than the Portland Fire roster,” Parker said. “But listen, only time will tell.”
The Fire now face a difficult road as they prepare for their first season without their primary defensive pick. Without Muhl to disrupt opposing guards, the team must find alternative ways to establish its defensive structure.
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The team must wait for Muhl to complete another grueling rehabilitation before she can contribute to its backcourt. At this point, Muhl’s Portland debut could very well be pushed for the 2027 season.
Related: WNBA Legend Candace Parker Announces Plan for Indiana Fever Game
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
