Los Angeles Sparks star Cameron Brink suffered a torn ACL in her left knee on June 18, 2024, in a matchup against Connecticut Sun only 15 games into her rookie season. Brink was in noticeable pain walking to the sideline and had to be escorted to the locker room (via ESPN).
This was a devastating blow to the WNBA and to Team USA’s 3×3 medal hopes. Brink, the 6’4″ former Stanford and Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, was chosen with the 2nd overall pick by the upstart Los Angeles Sparks in the 2024 WNBA Draft, hoping that her generational defensive prowess and improved scoring ability would make her a “can’t miss” prospect and foundational piece of their team for at least a decade.
At the time of her injury, Brinks was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game while shooting 39.8% from the field (per ESPN).
Brink, along with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kamila Cardoso, Rickea Jackson, and Aaliyah Edwards, made up one of the most stacked WNBA draft classes in years, giving the league a well-deserved spotlight and a huge boost in interest in women’s basketball.
Reactions to Cameron Brink’s injury
Although the injury was devastating and put an end to what was a promising rookie campaign, Brink vows to come back stronger than ever. “You never think it will happen to you. And despite all the hard work sometimes it does. This is hard to fathom but I know it will only make me stronger,” Brink wrote on Instagram. “I will not be derailed and I will continue to love this life- I’m not defined by basketball, but it is something that I love deeply and I will work everyday to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later.”
Brink, who was childhood friends with Golden State Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry, has plenty of support around the league and the sports world as she starts the process of recovery.
Fellow WNBA rookie and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark called the injury “obviously devastating” during a post-game interview, sharing that she and Brink are friends off the court. “I know she’s the type of person that’ll be able to get through it and come out of it stronger,” she said. “But yeah, it just breaks your heart. She’s such a good basketball player but an even better person.”
Another WNBA star rookie, Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, posted “prayers for my sweet girl!” on X, while Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson posted, “Sending prayers up for Cameron Brink right now. Hoping that this is not a serious injury!”
Who is replacing Cameron Brink on Team USA after ACL injury?
Not only did the Los Angeles Sparks lose the anchor of their defense, but Team USA’s 3×3 Olympic team now has to rush to fill the roster spot that’s now open. According to CBS Sports, Brinks’ Sparks teammate, forward Dearica Hamby, seems to be the odds-on favorite per FIBA’s eligibility requirements.
At the time of this writing, the 30-year-old Hamby is averaging 17.7 points and 10.8 rebounds for the Sparks so far in the 2024 regular season.
What’s next for Cameron Brink?
While a significant injury, a torn ACL doesn’t have to be a career killer – former Carolina Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis tore his ACL three times during his 16-year career.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Brink’s recovery will depend on several mitigating factors, but due to her age, she is expected to make a full recovery after surgery. “Most patients are allowed to return to full sports participation within 6 to 12 months, depending on the patient’s progress, strength, and mechanics,” the site states.
Although an unfortunate setback, the future is bright for Cameron Brink. Whether stunning on the red carpet in her draft night dress or dominating the boards, we’re all cheering for Brink to have a long and successful career.
