Despite acquiring first pick Sabrina Ionescu in the 2020 WNBA Draft, the New York Liberty still struggled this past season. With a record of 2-20 in the Wubble; it’s safe to say it’s really only up from here when it comes to New York. So, let’s take a look at what to expect from New York Liberty in 2021.
Though things didn’t go the Liberty’s way in 2020, there is legitimate cause for optimism this upcoming season. Of course, along the way to rebuilding their roster for 2021; the Liberty said some tough goodbyes. Of these goodbyes, Kia Nurse’s may have been the hardest.
For the past three years, Nurse has been a reliable force for New York, averaging 12.2 points per game—though her 27.3% field goal percentage leaves something to be desired.
Nurse’s trade to the Phoenix Mercury was only a small moving part in a greater 5-team deal which ultimately led to the Liberty acquiring Natasha Howard and the 6th pick of the 2021 draft.
As the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year, Howard is a major asset to New York. Considering she will no longer be competing with the likes of Breanna Stewart and Alysha Clark for minutes, it’s reasonable to expect to see a lot more of Howard this season. If Howard plays her cards right, she might just end up as more of a team leader than she’s been in the past.
Also hailing from Seattle, Sami Whitcomb joins Howard in New York for the 2021 season. As a strong role player with a solid ability to offensively space the floor, Whitcomb will be a nice addition to the Liberty. While she may not be a major game-changer, Whitcomb’s presence in New York will definitely help to bolster the team’s floundering talent.
Of course, it would be remiss to neglect what all of WNBA fandom has been waiting for…the return of a healthy Ionescu. After an abridged season of 3 games, Ionescu was forced to step away from the court after suffering an ankle injury. A promising Rookie of the Year candidate, Ionescu’s full potential in the WNBA remains very much unknown after her unfortunate first season.
Once she is back on the floor in 2021, though, don’t expect anything to slow Ionescu down. After all, her NCAA career was historic. For one, Ionescu set a record for career triple-doubles in men’s and women’s college basketball history. In the presence of established players like Howard and Layshia Clarendon; it’s fair to expect the breakout season we have all been anticipating from Ionescu.
With all the rebuilding New York has to do after their 2020 season; the fate of their approaching season rests largely on the shoulders of rookies. As the earliest Liberty draft pick, Michaela Onyenwere’s development will be critical for New York in 2021. Onyenwere was the leading scorer for the UCLA Bruins, which bodes well for improving the overall Liberty point production.
One more day until the Libs hit the court for training camp! #SeafoamSZN pic.twitter.com/UpWYLp5E8u
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) April 24, 2021
Overall, though Onyenwere can likely be counted on for buckets, what the Liberty really needs are solid 4 and 5 position players. While Clarendon, Howard, and Ionescu provide a strong foundation for the 1 through 3 positions; the Liberty would seriously benefit from a solid centre and/or power forward.
After signing a training camp deal with New York, Janelle Bailey could end up being the only true addition to the Liberty at the 5. If Bailey doesn’t work out for New York; the forwards who did get drafted are still likely to make an impact.
DiDi Richards is one of those promising additions to New York. Richards was named the 2020 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, and during the same year, she recorded her career-best in rebounds. After an awe-inspiring recovery from temporary paralysis in October of 2020; Richards was back on the court playing for Baylor in just over a month. That kind of determination and grit—aside from being something we all could learn from—will be valuable to New York.
Didi Richards (@Deauzya), welcome to New York! #OwntheCrown 🗽👑 pic.twitter.com/k8IebRXJAX
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) April 16, 2021
When it comes to guard Valerie Higgins; her solid point production of 16.5 points and 9.7 rebounds per game playing for the University of the Pacific Tigers will be a valuable addition in New York…if only she can maintain comparable stats.
With so many fresh faces joining the ranks of the New York Liberty; a large component to their season’s success will depend upon how such a relatively young team will learn to work together. Aside from Whitcomb, Howard, Clarendon, Asia Taylor, Kiah Stokes, and Betnijah Laney; each member of the Liberty roster has no more than four years of experience playing in the W.
With Ionescu, as the supposed savior of the Liberty, in only her second year playing professionally; it will be a tough challenge for such a young player to work alongside her emerging peers. That’s where players like Howard, Whitcomb, and Clarendon come in.
If the Liberty can strike a balance between fostering new talent and tapping into more experienced players’ expertise and leadership; they will be able to improve their standing. Considering the Liberty came in as the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference last year; they’re not likely to pose any serious threats…just yet. While we can’t expect to see any radical changes coming out of New York right away; this year will provide an important building block for the Liberty’s future.
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