What is Cameron Brink's torn ACL recovery time? Timeline of Sparks rookie's injury explored

The Los Angeles Sparks suffered a major setback this season as rookie Cameron Brink was diagnosed with a torn ACL on Wednesday, halting what was a promising first year for the 2024 WNBA draft’s No. 2 pick. While recoveries from an ACL tear vary from athlete to athlete, the average timetable ranges from eight months to a year after surgery, according to Athletic Edge Sports Medicine.

With the timeline, Brink would not be cleared to play in the Paris Olympics for Team USA’s 3x3 basketball team on top of missing the rest of the 2024 WNBA season and perhaps their training camp next year.

It will be a long road to recovery for Brink, as she needs to wait for the graft in her knee after surgery to fully heal before working to regain its strength in the rehabilitation process. Not to mention, the mental aspect of an ACL tear recovery remains a vital underlying facet that the 22-year-old needs to overcome.

If all goes well for Brink, fans can see her as early as the start of next season in her sophomore year in the WNBA.

What happened to Cameron Brink?

The injury happened last Tuesday when the Sparks lost against the Connecticut Sun, 79-70. It started when Brink lost her footing while going for a left-handed layup in the first quarter, crashing to the ground awkwardly. Brink’s pain when standing up was so severe that she needed to be helped off the floor to return to the locker room.

Later in the day, Cameron Brink was seen walking out of the arena without any assistance, but the diagnosis later revealed it to be a season-ending ACL tear.

Unfazed by the setback, Brink remained optimistic about her future, writing a heartfelt reflection on Instagram.

“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. 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 every day to get back to it. It’s not goodbye basketball it’s just a see you later,” Cameron Brink wrote.

How good was Cameron Brink in her rookie season?

Cameron Brink started in all of the Sparks’ 15 games so far, averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. On defense, she recorded 2.3 blocks per game, the third-highest average among all players at the time of her injury, and 1.1 steals.

She also shot 39.8% from the field and 32.3% from the 3-point area, showcasing her potential to expand her game in the future.

Brink had her best game against the Dallas Wings on June 7, when she tallied her first career double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocks.