The Los Angeles Sparks have experienced plenty of heartbreaks lately. They got the second pick in the WNBA Draft lottery twice in a row, narrowly missing out on chances to draft Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers, won only eight games in 2024, and saw their top pick Cameron Brink go down with a torn ACL only 15 games into the season.
Brink’s injury was especially painful for the Sparks, as it cost her precious time to develop and build chemistry with her teammates. Nevertheless, the Sparks decided to accelerate the team’s timeline this offseason.
Rather than selecting a young talent with the second overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, they traded that pick to bring Kelsey Plum to Los Angeles. The Sparks obviously want to win, giving Dearica Hamby another All-Star teammate. So, Cameron Brink’s latest injury update is good news.
Cameron Brink opens up about recovery process
It had already been reported that Brink was expected to return to the court in June. Now, Brink also spoke about her recovery on her podcast Straight to Cam.
“This past week, I’ve been doing a lot more training,” Brink said about her progress. “I would say I’m back to doing everything like pretty normally.”
That is good news for Sparks fans, even if Brink is still a bit away from actually suiting up for her team. Brink’s availability and health could make the difference between the Sparks establishing themselves as a playoff team and another losing season.
Brink was the most promising prospect in the 2024 draft class after Caitlin Clark but got only a handful of chances to display her talent in the WNBA. She averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 2.3 blocks in the 15 games games she played. While Brink did not regularly put up big scoring games, she quickly established herself as a great rim protector, blocking five shots in only her second WNBA game.
Between Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Cameron Brink, Rickea Jackson, and Rae Burrell, the Sparks have plenty of talent. Hamby and Plum are All-Stars and WNBA champions. Jackson and Burrell are not as accomplished yet, but both showed out in Unrivaled this offseason and look ready for improved WNBA seasons.
Getting Brink back soon and in the best shape possible could be the key to realizing the team’s potential. However, Brink was also honest about the reality of her recovery process, telling stories of her tripping and falling during her workouts.
“It’s really humbling getting back into like full speed, rigorous activity,” Brink said on her podcast.
Despite the struggle, it should encourage Sparks fans to hear Brink take everything lightly. Suffering such a serious injury can be emotionally devastating for many athletes. Brink seems to have adjusted well considering the circumstances.