Cameron Brink is making up for lost time. After being out for 13 months due to a torn ACL, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft has already joined elite company since returning, joining Los Angeles Sparks legends Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie in two key defensive statistical categories in her two games back.
Not only is she making up for lost time, but it’s also been a story of triumph over adversity in fighting back from a devastating injury that ended her rookie season before it really began. Now having recovered, she appears ready to be a force in the league and help the Sparks’ season.
Cameron Brink Making Up for Lost Time by Joining Elite Company Upon Injury Return
Judging by the company Brink has recently joined, this may be an indicator of future Defensive Player of the Year honors for the small forward originally from New Jersey.
Brink is one of just 10 players in WNBA history to record 1+ BLK and 1+ STL in more than 50% of their career games. Of the other nine, six are WNBA Defensive Player of the Year winners, including Sparks legends Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker. https://t.co/iBnb9e0Uig
— LA Sparks PR (@LASparksPR) August 2, 2025
According to the Sparks’ official public relations page on X, Brink is one of just 10 players in WNBA history to record at least one block and one steal in over half of their career games. Furthermore, as an indicator of her vast potential, six of the other nine are WNBA Defensive Player of the Year winners.
This includes Sparks legends Leslie and Parker. Leslie won two DPOY awards in her career, in 2004 and 2008 while Parker won one in 2020. Expect Brink to join them in winning that honor in the future.
Despite facing a minutes restriction, which has held her under 15 minutes on the court in her first two games, Brink still managed to make a big impression. She put up five points, three rebounds, a block, an assist, and a steal in her first game back against the Las Vegas Aces.
However, she played even better in the Sparks’ win against the Seattle Storm, with a terrific 12 minutes on the court, notching seven points, three blocks, two steals, and four rebounds. This game truly showcased a tantalizing glimpse of her two-way potential.
If that’s the stat line she can put up in only 12 minutes, a full game could be something special. For example, her two appearances would average out as an eye-popping 9.7 rebounds, 5.5 blocks, and 4.2 steals per 36 minutes.
Brink faced up to a challenging year of rehabilitation with steely determination, and these efforts have culminated in her triumphant return. The rest of the league has all shown their support under her Instagram post after her debut. She received numerous well wishes from players around the league and from the WNBA’s official account.
“So happy you’re back,” the WNBA wrote.
After a tough year of rehab, Brink’s ready to make up for lost time.
I just hope she can go long without another injury stopping her Growth, and she can be confy on that list i didn’t know they kept records stats on until Brink got in range, Great work CAM…