Alyssa Thomas suffered a severe injury in early January while playing for ZVVZ USK Praha in the Czech Republic. After the injury, Thomas returned to the united states for further evaluation. On Wednesday, the Connecticut Sun announced that Thomas had undergone surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon. The recovery time surgery is usually between 9-12 months, so she will be out for the entire 2021 WNBA season.
Alyssa Thomas is a free agent and was more than likely to return to the Connecticut Sun because they can not afford to lose her. With the injury, it will be interesting to see what the Sun will do. Connecticut could sign Thomas like the Brooklyn Nets did Kevin Durant, but it would take up a roster spot for the Sun.
Either way, Connecticut will miss Thomas next season. She is a two-time All-Star and has made three All-Defensive teams. Thomas’s toughness will be missed; she banged in the post and never backed down from anybody. Also, Thomas could handle the ball as a point forward and was the heart and soul for Connecticut.
Last season, Thomas averaged 15.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game as she led the Sun to the semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces, which they lost in five games.
Thomas was drafted No. 4 overall by the Liberty in 2014 after a successful career at Maryland that saw her named ACC Player of the Year three straight years. The Sun acquired Thomas in a trade later on draft night.
In seven seasons, Thomas has averaged 11.7 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 47% from the field. The former Maryland star is a terrific player for Connecticut; hopefully, she makes a full recovery and returns to the WNBA. Losing Thomas for the season is a massive loss for the WNBA this upcoming season.
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