Despite new standouts during preseason, the Liberty set their 12-player roster and there were no surprises.
Ahead of Thursday’s 5 p.m. ET deadline, the Liberty waived guards Derin Erdogan and Anneli Maley, as well as forward Alex Fowler on Wednesday evening, meaning, the Liberty’s final in-flux spot was given to Rebekah Gardner.
Aussie guard Maley, who was on the Liberty’s radar for a while, made a big impression in her first New York training camp, which placed her in the conversation for the 12th and final spot.
Her relentless rebounding and confident play stood out. She combined for 26 points, 13 rebounds and four assists off the bench across the Liberty’s two preseason games.
Yet, the Liberty went with the veteran depth 35-year-old Gardner brings, after having invested a lot in her over the past two years. She also had a strong camp, starting both preseason games due to Satou Sabally sitting out.
With those opportunities, Gardner combined for 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
The Liberty’s remaining decision is who will take their second and final developmental spot, an addition under the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement.
If Maley, Erdogan or Fowler make it past waivers, the Liberty could select one to fill the position — one that allows the developmental players to participate in training camp and practices. They can also be activated for up to 12 games per season without impacting the 12-player roster or salary cap space.
Guard Marine Fauthoux, who is working her way back from a knee injury, is already under a developmental contract. Wednesday, coach Chris DeMarco said position will not matter when it comes to selecting the final spot.
“Usually in those spots, you want to take the best players that you think are the best fit for your team,” he said. “Players you think are ready to play in the W right now or grow to that. I think positionally it’s hard to do. If there’s two guards we like, it will be two guards.”
Sabally was not at Wednesday’s practice due to an illness, and DeMarco is unsure of her status for both Thursday’s practice and Friday’s season opener against Connecticut at Barclays Center.
“We’re not concerned. We are just trying to set her up for success this season,” DeMarco said.
Rebecca Allen, who has missed the two preseason games for what the Liberty have called “reconditioning,” said she was more involved in practice but will be out Friday. She will aim to play Sunday in Washington, D.C.
