Lynx guard Harding undergoes knee surgery

The procedure was designed to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in Harding’s left knee. The former Duke star will miss the remainder of the 2007 season and faces a rehabilitation period of six to nine months. She is expected to return in time for training camp next season.

"We are excited that the surgery has been performed and Lindsey is now on the road to recovery," said Lynx head coach Don Zierden. "Lindsey’s rehabilitation has already begun and she is vigorously working to return to top form in time for next season."

The 5-foot-8 Harding suffered the injury in the third quarter of Minnesota’s game against the Washington Mystics on July 10.

Harding, the first overall pick of the 2007 WNBA Draft, led all rookies in scoring with 11.7 points per game and assists with 3.9 per game at the time of her injury. She was also second among rookies with 4.4 rebounds per game.

Harding will begin her recovery in Durham and return to Minneapolis to continue her rehabilitation in a week to 10 days.