The New York Liberty are making moves that show they’re thinking ahead rather than reacting to the moment. Some of their recent decisions may have felt rushed, but I like what the GM is doing. He’s proactive, and that’s rare in the WNBA.
A big talking point has been Sabrina Ionescu. According to WNBA players, Natasha Cloud is considered the fourth-best guard in the league. Cloud averages ten points a game, had seven points in that elimination game, and scored zero in the fourth quarter. She’s good, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. Pairing her with Sabrina didn’t produce the results the Liberty wanted. Their backcourt worked much better with Sabrina and Lainey Hamilton. Cloud didn’t get Sabrina the quality looks she needed, and the GM acknowledged that. They’re always evaluating what the best partner for Sabrina is and how to use her going forward.
The experiment with Cloud didn’t work. Some thought putting a point guard next to Sabrina and letting her play the two would help, like how other stars have evolved. It didn’t. The Liberty are essentially saying this is Sabrina’s team, and they’re focused on building around her, not on feelings or reputations. Cloud is talented, but she didn’t fit with Sabrina. That’s the bottom line.
The league isn’t about personal narratives or popularity. Teams care about how players fit together and whether the combination can win a championship. That’s it. New York is being clear about that, which is refreshing. They tried to build around the right mix, and when it didn’t work, they adjusted.
Sandy Brondello is a good coach, but she doesn’t play modern basketball. The Liberty’s main trio underperformed, even with all the talent they had. Adding Lainey Hamilton and Lao Feebish should have made them dominant. Lao Feebish is a rare player in the league—tall, athletic, and a sniper. If I were the Liberty, I’d do everything to keep her. She can be a starter for years on her rookie deal, making her extremely valuable.
The GM is focused on finding complementary pieces for Sabrina, Lainey, and Feebish. They’re looking for length, athleticism, and two-way players. They don’t need more stars; they need the right fit. That could come from overseas, college, or smart trades. They’re thinking ahead, not chasing the next big name.
Sabrina’s best version is when she’s running the point with the right partner at two. Cloud didn’t work in that role, so the Liberty are exploring other options. They’re willing to move on from a star if it doesn’t help the team. Their goal is to create a championship-caliber lineup, not just assemble talent.
Looking ahead, the Liberty might target guards like Jackie Young or Kayla McBride. Max contract players could spread the floor and give Sabrina the space she needs to be effective. Even if Lainey Hamilton returns, the Liberty have a clear plan: build around Sabrina and the best complementary pieces, not just individual stats or reputations.
New York is showing that being proactive and honest about fit is more important than loyalty or optics. They’ve got a clear vision for their core players and are making decisions to maximize their chances of winning. That’s the kind of GM work that actually builds contenders in this league.
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