Tempo sign – Tempo made its latest roster adjustment in the WNBA, signing French guard Tima Pouye and waiving Lexi Held. Pouye, 27, arrives after a strong season with Bourges Basket, while Held exits after appearing in eight games for the franchise.
Tempo’s roster moves came fast on Thursday: the expansion franchise signed French guard Tima Pouye and waived Lexi Held.
Pouye. 27. has been a central piece for France’s Bourges Basket this season. leading the team with 12.6 points per game as her side reached the French league final. Her impact wasn’t limited to scoring. She also averaged 4.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, while shooting 34.9 per cent from three-point range for Bourges.
Tempo general manager Monica Wright Rogers framed the decision around versatility and experience. “Tima is a proven scorer who has performed in high-pressure environments at both the domestic and international levels. ” Wright Rogers said in a press release. “Her ability to stretch the floor. rebound from the guard position. and compete defensively stood out. and we’re excited to add that versatility and experience to our backcourt.”.
For Pouye, the step into the WNBA is a new chapter built on a long run through top-level European competition. “I’m really excited for this next step and grateful for the opportunity to join Toronto. ” she said in the release. “Competing in EuroLeague and playing deep into the French playoffs helped me grow my game. and I’m looking forward to continuing to do so during this new chapter with the Tempo and the WNBA.”.
She has never played in the WNBA.
Held, 26, now heads out after a short stint with the franchise. She appeared in eight games for Tempo, averaging 7.5 minutes per contest and scoring nine points total. The Burlington, Kent., native entered the WNBA through the Tempo’s expansion draft, selected from the Phoenix Mercury.
One roster door closes and another opens in Toronto, with Pouye’s scoring punch and Bourges’ playoff-tested run now replacing a player Tempo previously brought in during the franchise’s expansion process.
Tempo WNBA Tima Pouye Lexi Held Bourges Basket Monica Wright Rogers Toronto