Why is Cameron Brink not playing tonight vs New York Liberty? LA Sparks rookie's status explored (June 20)

LA Sparks rookie Cameron Brink will miss the team's game against New York Liberty on Thursday. In what came as a devastating blow for Brink and the Sparks, the No.2 overall pick in the 2024 class suffered a torn ACL during the team's 70-79 loss against Connecticut Sun on June 8.

Brink, who was growing from strength to strength in her rookie season, has been hit with a major setback. The former Stanford superstar is likely to miss the entire season with injury.

"Forward Cameron Brink suffered a left torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during the first quarter of Tuesday’s game at the Connecticut Sun. Additional details will be provided at a later date," LA Sparks said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Brink looked in severe pain on Tuesday after going down on the floor against the Sun. The Sparks rookie struggled to get back up and could only do so with the help of her teammates.

The 22-year-old was later picked up from the feet by two Sparks personnel and carried to the locker room. At the time, it was revealed that Brink sustained a knee injury. But there were fears of a more severe blow, which was ultimately made official on Wednesday.

Brink penned an emotional post after the news of her ACL injury was announced. The rookie underlined that it's not a "goodbye" but only a momentary delay.

"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.

"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. I’m always so thankful for your thoughts and prayers," she added.

For how long will Cameron Brink be sidelined after ACL injury?

The LA Sparks didn't reveal the exact timeline for which Brink will be sidelined. When it comes to ACL tear, the recovery period varies from athlete to athlete.

According to the Athletics Edge Sports Medicine, an athlete takes an average time of around eight to 12 months after surgery to fully recover from the gruesome injury.

Brink will miss the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season along with missing the Paris Olympics. The Sparks rookie was named in the USA women's basketball 3x3 roster for the upcoming Summer Games.