For the second time in 5 seasons, the Minnesota Lynx have the No. 1 overall selection in the WNBA draft. The franchise was awarded the prize in yesterday’s WNBA draft lottery thanks to earlier trade involving the New York Liberty and Los Angeles Sparks.

In May, the Lynx dealt 3rd year point guard Noelle Quinn to L.A. and received New York’s 1st round draft choice while the Liberty picked up guard Sidney Spencer. Quinn had become expendable after the team drafted Renee Montgomery in April. New York meanwhile, finished a disappointing 13-21 last season, the league’s second worst record.

The Lynx also won the lottery in 2006 and selected Seimone Augustus of LSU No. 1 overall. Augustus, a three-time All Star and Olympian, was playing at a MVP-type level before tearing her ACL in June, just 6 games into the season. The 14-20 Lynx also secured the No. 4 spot with their own pick. They are the first team since 2002 to hold two picks in the top 4.

With a healthy Augustus, a more seasoned Montgomery, returning All Stars Charde Houston and Nicky Anosike and the addition of two blue-chip rookies, the Lynx should finally realize their potential and contend for a league title in 2010. The pressure is on.