Well, well, well, New York Liberty fans, it seems that things are really looking up this season. After Sabrina Ionescu joined the Liberty as the first overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft; it seemed hopeful that 2020 could be a kinder year for the Liberty.
But alas…it was not. Finishing dead last in the Eastern Conference, Ionescu—after suffering a season-ending ankle injury just three games into her WNBA debut—was unable to significantly impact the Liberty’s season.
Thanks to the return of a healed Ionescu, in addition to major additions to the team during the off-season, the Liberty’s 2021 season debut has been nothing short of remarkable. The acquisition of the former free-agent of Betnijah Laney, for one, has been invaluable in terms of point production. Laney has scored a minimum of 20 points per game so far and is currently averaging an impressive 22.7 points per game this season.
Role player Sami Whitcomb, who was traded from Seattle earlier this year, is performing just like fans hoped she would. With more minutes on the floor than she’s ever played before, Whitcomb’s three-point percentage is at an all-time high of 41.7%, with an average of 8.8 points per game. So far, it seems that getting away from Seattle’s star-studded roster has provided Whitcomb with the perfect breakout opportunity.
Let’s not forget Natasha Howard, though. As the 2019 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year; Howard brings defensive stability to New York while also providing offensive support. After all, Howard’s three-point percentage is an unprecedented 66.7%—nearly double what it was last year. Due to an unfortunate MCL sprain, Howard is out for the next 4-6 weeks…but there’s no reason to think the remaining roster can’t hold down the fort in the meantime.
Then, of course, there’s Ionescu. The pairing of Ionescu and Laney has resulted in the creation of an offensive powerhouse; with Ionescu averaging 17.8 points per game and 7.8 assists per game. Finally, after her short-lived rookie season, Ionescu is getting the chance to show WNBA fans what she can really do. With solid stats under her belt so early into her career; things are looking good for Ionescu’s New York Liberty career.
As far as rookies go, Michaela Onyenwere—selected sixth overall in the 2021 WNBA Draft—is still in the process of establishing herself as an offensive presence. Onyenwere’s current stats are promising though, with an average of 9.3 points per game in only six games.
DiDi Richards, however, is still struggling to earn consistent minutes. Considering she’s working with capable leaders like Ionescu and Laney, Richards is bound to find her stride in due time.
Though it’s still early days, things are falling into place for New York Liberty. While the return of a healthy Ionescu has been a major help; the team’s blossoming success story is the result of far more than Ionescu alone. In fact, it seems that every off-season move made by New York has produced a series of individual best-case scenario outcomes.
I’m not in possession of a crystal ball (yet). But I’d be willing to bet that the pieces will only continue falling into place for New York this season. That’s right, Liberty fans, you can stop holding your breath—the season you’ve been waiting for has arrived.
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