Can The New York Liberty Succeed Without Jonquel Jones And Leonie Fiebich?

Shawn

3 min read

Post on Jun 20, 2025

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Can the New York Liberty Soar Without Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich?

The New York Liberty's stunning success in the 2023 WNBA season raised expectations sky-high for 2024. However, the offseason brought significant roster changes, leaving many to question: can the Liberty truly contend without the impactful contributions of Jonquel Jones and Leonie Fiebich? The answer, while complex, hinges on several key factors.

The Departure of Key Players: The loss of Jonquel Jones, the 2021 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year and a dominant force in the paint, is undeniably a blow. Her versatility, scoring prowess, and rebounding ability were integral to the Liberty's offensive and defensive strategies. Similarly, Leonie Fiebich's departure leaves a gap in the team's frontcourt depth. Her consistent performance and strong defensive presence provided invaluable support.

Addressing the Roster Gaps: The Liberty's front office has been active, attempting to mitigate the losses. While specific signings haven't fully replaced Jones' unique skillset, the team's strategy likely involves a collective effort. This necessitates a deeper dive into the abilities of existing players and newly acquired talent. Will Breanna Stewart be able to shoulder even more offensive responsibility? Can the supporting cast step up and fill the void left by Jones and Fiebich? These questions will be answered on the court.

<h3>Key Players to Watch: Stepping Up to the Challenge</h3>

• Breanna Stewart: The undisputed superstar of the Liberty, Stewart will undoubtedly carry a heavier load. Her ability to score efficiently and contribute on the boards will be critical. However, can she maintain peak performance throughout a long and grueling season?

• Sabrina Ionescu: Ionescu's all-around game is vital. Her playmaking, scoring, and improved defensive presence are crucial for the Liberty's success. Her ability to control the tempo and distribute the ball effectively will be key in compensating for the loss of frontcourt depth.

• Betnijah Laney: A consistent scorer and all-around contributor, Laney's offensive efficiency will be paramount. Her ability to create her own shot will alleviate some pressure on Stewart.

<h3>The Importance of Team Chemistry and Coaching</h3>

Beyond individual talent, the Liberty's success hinges on team chemistry and Sandy Brondello's coaching prowess. Can Brondello effectively integrate new players and devise strategies that maximize the strengths of the remaining roster? The ability to foster a cohesive team dynamic, emphasizing collaborative play and strategic flexibility, will be just as important as individual talent.

<h3>The Path Forward: A Collective Effort</h3>

The New York Liberty's journey in 2024 will be a testament to their depth and resilience. Replacing two key players of Jones and Fiebich's caliber is a significant challenge, but not insurmountable. The team's success will depend on the collective performance of the entire roster, the effective utilization of strategic adjustments by the coaching staff, and the unwavering support of their passionate fanbase. The WNBA season promises to be an exciting one, and the Liberty’s journey will be one of the most compelling narratives to follow.

Will the New York Liberty succeed? Only time will tell. Stay tuned for updates and analysis as the season unfolds.