NFL
By: Sameer Kumar
The New York Liberty added Satou Sabally over the offseason after a one-year stay with the Phoenix Mercury.
Of course, the Liberty’s primary goal is to win their second championship in three years. Adding a three-time All-Star who has been in the MVP running will only help make that happen.
It was Sabally’s Mercury that took down the Liberty in an unceremonious three games in last season’s playoffs. Sabally also helped Phoenix reach the WNBA Finals before the team fell to the Las Vegas Aces in three games.
In those games, Sabally proved that she can put a ton of pressure on the rim and force defenses to scramble. That could mesh very well on a Liberty team that operates best when the ball is moving. New York has consistently been among the league leaders in assists per game.
How Does Satou Sabally Fit?
Having Sabally on the opposite wing of Breanna Stewart could allow Stewart to attack the rim and hunt for midrange jumpers a bit more aggressively.
Sabally’s presence naturally draws multiple defenders in. Stewart wouldn’t always be in a position where she’s forced to make something happen when ball movement is stagnant.
Stewart has never been paired up with another elite wing during her time in New York.
Sabally is also very familiar with Sabrina Ionescu, dating back to their days at Oregon.
While Ionescu’s deep 3-point shooting and playmaking prowess are incredibly dangerous, there’s something to be said about having two elite all-around scoring wings in your everyday lineup.
Sabally’s presence could also create more space for Ionescu to dial it in from deep and give the Liberty’s lead playmaker an easy go-to target on cuts.
Jonquel Jones’ ability to stretch the floor should also give Sabally ample room to operate.
Defensively, New York will be absolutely loaded on the wings. Stewart and Sabally’s size and length will allow the Liberty to switch more seamlessly and blow-up driving lanes.
Stewart will still likely guard the opposing team’s best player, but having Sabally in the mix should allow Stewart to expend less energy on that end of the floor.
It’s not often a championship core gets to add a player like Sabally. However, a championship-winning team in a big market will always have an advantage in free agency.
With the Liberty having a near-perfect two-way balance in their lineup, another championship could be coming their way this season.
