📰 NEW YORK POST

Liberty add frontcourt depth with veteran Isabelle Harrison signing

Isabelle Harrison, who mainly served as Angel Reese’s backup last season in Chicago, is the New York Liberty’s newest member. 

The Liberty announced Friday that they signed 6-foot-3 veteran Harrison for the upcoming season. 

Harrison inked an unprotected veteran minimum deal worth $78,831, league sources told The Post. 

Harrison’s arrival gives the Liberty some additional frontcourt depth after they lost Kayla Thornton to the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft.

New York’s other reserve forward options include Kennedy Burke and Nyara Sabally. Raquel Carrera, Kaitlyn Davis and Esmery Martinez are signed to training-camp contracts.

Coach Sandy Brondello believes Harrison will have a “positive impact” on and off the court. 

“Having originally drafted her with Phoenix, she has consistently demonstrated the ability to impact games on both ends,” Brondello said in a statement. “Izzy’s versatility and commitment strengthens our post rotation and makes her an ideal fit for our team as we pursue another championship in 2025.”

Harrison, 30, is a decade into her professional career, but has played only seven seasons in the WNBA.

The Liberty signed veteran Isabelle Harrison on Friday to an unprotected minimum deal worth $78,831 from the Chicago Sky. Athletes Unlimited
Chicago forward Isabelle Harrison (20) drives against Atlanta forward Lorela Cubaj (19) on September 17th, 2024 at Gateway Center Arena. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

She missed her entire rookie season in 2015 after she tore her anterior cruciate ligament months before being drafted to the Mercury with the No. 12 overall pick.

Then, in 2018, Harrison missed the entire season after dealing with an autoimmune disease. 

Another knee injury caused her to sit out the entire 2023 season. 

Despite her health history, Harrison continues to earn opportunities in the WNBA because of her experience, scoring abilities and defensive potential. 

Harrison doesn’t have the same floor stretching capabilities as Thornton, but she can help an offense as a screener and finishing inside.

Isabelle Harrison looks to shoot against Marina Mabrey and DeWanna Bonner in the third quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena on September 19, 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Getty Images

Last season, Harrison averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds, though she shot a career-low 39.9% from the field. 

The Liberty are betting that Harrison will convert at a better clip this season. 


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