Subscribe our newsletter and get notifications to stay update
Not a day has gone by since the Liberty hoisted the WNBA Finals trophy that Kennedy Burke doesn’t remind herself that she’s a WNBA champion.That title and the pride that comes with knowing she contributed to New York’s first professional basketball title in decades not only energized her offseason work but has also fueled her desire to do it again.It didn’t take much convincing from coach Sandy Brondello to get Burke back for this year.“Kennedy could have went elsewhere,” Brondello said Tuesday after practice.“But it was the easiest sign on I’ve ever had to be quite honest.
‘Kennedy, I want you back.It’s going to be easier.’ ”Burke’s role fluctuated over the course of last season, her first with the Liberty and sixth overall.In 38 games, including three starts, Burke averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds on 40.9 percent shooting from the field in 12.1 minutes per game.But Burke’s willingness to accept whatever role asked of her is what makes her a good fit for the Liberty in their title defense.Burke will likely play more at power forward this season, but could be a small forward in certain lineups.
In early training camp conversations, Burke said Brondello would like to initiate transition offense in certain situations.“I’ve been a versatile player all my life so I’m kind of used to it,” Burke said.“So I’m excited to step into that role for a bigger team, a better team.”The Liberty boasted the best offense in the league last season and were one of the most lethal teams in transition.
That’s a characteristic from 2024 that Brondello would like to see carry over to this year.Training camp is an opportunity for teams to experiment with lineups and scenarios.It’s also an opportunity for players to showcase improved areas of their games.Burke isn’t the same player who joined the Liberty last season after being out of the league in 2023.
She was timid and was learning as she went about what was expected of her and how th...