The Washington Mystics announced Wednesday, WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne had successful back surgery on Jan. 24. The procedure was described as “minor” to repair the injury that hampered her throughout the Mystics championship run during the 2019 WNBA playoffs.
Delle Donne is expected to return to play by the beginning of the 2020 WNBA season. Washington is slated to host the Los Angeles Sparks on May 16.
An update will be provided at the start of training camp, the Mystics added.
In 2019, Delle Donne claimed her second WNBA MVP of her career, averaging 19.5 points and 8.2 rebounds. She became the first player in league history to join the 50-40-90 club, shooting 51.5% from the field, 43% from three and 97.4% from the free throw line.
She would average 16.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in the playoffs. Following their championship-clinching Game 5 win over the Connecticut Sun in the Finals, it was revealed Delle Donne played through three herniated disks.
Getting Elena Delle Donne back on the court will be imperative for the Mystics’ chances of repeating this year.
