After a long 13-month recovery from a torn ACL and meniscus, Cameron Brink, the No. 2 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, is now able to return to the courts. The Los Angeles Sparks forward shared this news right before Saturday’s game against the New York Liberty, a big step in her comeback journey.
She did not play in that game but Brink’s return now looks like it will happen anytime soon.
“I’m cleared,” Brink said to reporters after the team warmed up. “It’s just about getting reps and getting back up to speed with everybody. I feel great, and I’m excited to be out there with my teammates.”
The 6-foot-4 nrookie was an absolute slayer before her injury, averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals in just 15 games. Her performances on defensive key moments was a hot topic among the best rookie conversations in early 2024 season.
Sparks take is easy
Even though Brink received medical clearance, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said they do not have a set date for her to come back. The team wants to take it slow to make sure she stays well for a long time and not just for a short period.
“She’s not where she was before the injury yet, and that’s okay,” Roberts said. “It’s been over a year, and coming back midseason is always challenging.”
Brink was said to be “doubtful” for Saturday’s game, being big news, as it was the first time this season she was not left out all the way. The team will watch her in practice in the next few days before they pick a date for her to return.
Her return could be late July or early August
The Sparks have no set a firm date for her return yet, but with Brink now being “doubtful” and her positive words after practice, she can be expected to make her re-debut in the next 1-2 weeks.
The next few games, maybe the home game against the Las Vegas Aces, could be a great time for her to join in again. The team has not said a thing about if she will play, but all hints say she is almost ready.
Sparks are still doing well
Brink’s coming back as the Sparks have won five games in a row, like the big win over the Liberty. This timing is key as her return could make the team’s shot at the playoffs better and boost their defense.
With Cameron Brink back, Los Angeles could get back on top in the West.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Sparks are still winning without her means that her return is not that needed. That is why they are taking their time and doing things slow. To have a player like Brink available to play is crucial for the season’s goals, but if everything is still working on her absence, radical changes are not recommended at all.
Cameron Brink’s next steps
Now that she is medically cleared for contact and practices, she moved to a ‘doubtful‘ category in the last game. These are good news because after nearly a year, she is expected to return before mid-August if her recovery stays on course. People are pointing out her re-debut could be during an upcoming home game that will be crucial for their playoffs aspirations.
Brink’s coming back is not just big for her, as it could change things for a Sparks team on the rise. For this new star, the hard journey back is almost done. For the WNBA, one of its bright new defenders is close to playing again.
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