LAS VEGAS — Betnijah Laney-Hamilton’s journey to reclaim her game this season hasn’t been easy, and she knows what’s at stake.
In April, Laney-Hamilton signed a one-year, $400,000 deal to return to the Liberty after missing all of last year rehabbing from knee surgery.
It’s a prove-it year. She’s playing for her next contract, which could mean a major payday this offseason if all goes according to plan.
Laney-Hamilton’s role this season, though, has fluctuated. Trying to rediscover her groove after more than a year off has been frustrating at times.
Asked if she’s happy in New York, Laney-Hamilton said, “I’m figuring everything out.”
When it comes to her role, she said, “I’m just working every day.”
Laney-Hamilton is trying to take it day by day, but staying present and positive can be a challenge for even the most zen person when tackling the physical and mental hurdles of returning after a lengthy absence.
The 6-foot guard/forward started in the Liberty’s first three games of the season before temporarily stepping away for personal reasons. Upon her return, she was moved to the bench.
Laney-Hamilton had an injection in her surgically repaired knee last week and missed the three subsequent games. She was available for Sunday’s loss in Los Angeles but never saw the floor. Chris DeMarco said that was the plan all along.
Asked what the point was for her to suit up if she wasn’t going to play, DeMarco said, “to be part of the team.”
Laney-Hamilton confirmed she knew she wasn’t going to play Sunday. As for the reintegration process, though, Laney-Hamilton said, “That’s not up to me.”
She said her relationship and conversations with DeMarco are improving, and they’re talking more.
DeMarco said he and Laney-Hamilton are “on the same page with” what the team expects of her.
“Again, we’re just excited to go from here,” DeMarco said before Tuesday’s 87-76 win.
The Liberty have gone 11-1 when Laney-Hamilton plays. Her 17.5 net rating is the best on the team.
But she’s logging 17.8 minutes per game, her fewest since joining New York in 2021. She’s moving better than at the start of the season but is still searching for her flow within the offense.
When Laney-Hamilton enters a game, though, Breanna Stewart can feel the shift.
Laney-Hamilton brings defensive intensity that can’t be taught. She plays fearlessly. Her block on four-time league MVP A’ja Wilson in Tuesday’s win was a clear indication of that. No opponent is too big for her.
“B’s a pro’s pro,” Stewart said. “You can tell the comfort level for us to have another defensive stopper on the court.”
Laney-Hamilton’s importance to the Liberty can’t be understated. She joined New York in 2021 and has become a fan favorite.
She and Sabrina Ionescu were together when New York won only 12 games.
Over the years, she’s become one of the lead voices in the huddle after practices and shootarounds. She’s the glue player who had some big moments in New York’s 2024 title run. Her presence was missed last year as the Liberty navigated a tumultuous season.
Laney-Hamilton has dealt with various injuries throughout her career, so the challenge to get back is something she’s become accustomed to. And yet, that doesn’t make this situation any easier.
Stewart has been impressed with Laney-Hamilton, who had a solid first game back Tuesday.
“She’s letting the game come to her,” Stewart said. “So she’s a huge part of our team and I’m happy that she’s back. And we’ll just make sure everybody gets integrated more and more.”
Laney-Hamilton knows she has a lot riding on this season.
“I wouldn’t say I feel pressure, obviously, every day that we go out there is me trying to make a statement,” she said, “and just show what I’m capable of, but I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily pressure.”
