A tough season go all the more challenging for the Connecticut Sun as the decision has been made to shut down reigning WNBA MVP for the rest of the season due to lingering knee issues.

"I've been playing through it," Charles said before Friday's game against Washington. "I'll have to see how my body feels (to decide when she returns to the court)."

The Sun have the worst record in the WNBA and have been eliminated from playoff contention so the team decided it made little sense for Charles to risk further injury by playing in the final five games of the season.

"I feel like we are all pros and we have been battling not having certain guys all season," Charles said.

After the game Connecticut Sun coach Anne Donovan discussed the decision to shut down Charles for the rest of the season.

"She did not want to give up the hope that we get in the playoffs and that is my biggest thought that I am happy she stuck it out for as long as she did," Donovan said. "I am proud of her."

Charles also addressed the appointment of her college coach Geno Auriemma as the U.S. Olympic coach for the second consecutive term.

"This is Coach Auriemma's playing field," Charles said. "This is what he does; he likes to coach great players and loves to get the best out of every player. Every time you are coached by him you are going to take something away from your game or your life, he is just a great guy and I am really happy for him.

"This will be a whole new training camp for me. I never put myself ahead of anybody. I am going to go in there and fight for a position as long as I am granted an opportunity."