Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is in the midst of a challenging season as she works to find her rhythm with the New York Liberty, a campaign where her performance carries significant weight for her future in the league. Laney-Hamilton rejoined the Liberty on a one-year, $400,000 contract in April, returning after missing the entire previous year due to knee surgery rehabilitation.
This season serves as a critical "prove-it" year for the forward, who is playing for her next contract and the potential for a substantial payday this offseason. However, her role with the team has been inconsistent, and rediscovering her game after more than a year off has presented frustrations.
"I’m figuring everything out," Laney-Hamilton stated when asked about her happiness in New York. Regarding her role, she added, "I’m just working every day." The player is focused on taking things day by day, acknowledging the difficulty in maintaining a positive outlook when facing the physical and mental challenges of a lengthy recovery period.
Laney-Hamilton began the season as a starter in the Liberty's first three games before temporarily stepping away for personal reasons. Upon her return, her role shifted to coming off the bench. Last week, she received an injection in her surgically repaired knee, causing her to miss the subsequent three games. Although she was available for Sunday's game in Los Angeles, she did not play.
Liberty coach Chris DeMarco indicated that Laney-Hamilton's decision not to play was part of the plan, stating her presence was "to be part of the team." Laney-Hamilton confirmed she was aware she would not be playing, and when questioned about the reintegration process, she responded, "That’s not up to me."
She mentioned that her communication and relationship with DeMarco are improving, with more frequent conversations taking place. DeMarco expressed that he and Laney-Hamilton are "on the same page with" the team's expectations for her and that the team is "just excited to go from here."
Despite the team's success with her on the court – the Liberty have an 11-1 record when Laney-Hamilton plays, and she holds the team's best net rating at 17.5 – her playing time has decreased. She is averaging 17.8 minutes per game, her lowest since joining the Liberty in 2021. While her physical movement has improved since the start of the season, she is still seeking to integrate more seamlessly into the team's offense.
Teammate Breanna Stewart noted the tangible shift when Laney-Hamilton enters the game, highlighting her defensive intensity and fearless play. Stewart described her as "a pro’s pro" and praised the added comfort level the team feels with another strong defender on the floor. Laney-Hamilton's block on four-time MVP A'ja Wilson during a recent win was cited as an example of her impactful play.
Laney-Hamilton, a fan favorite since arriving in New York in 2021, has become an important figure for the team. She was part of the Liberty squad that won only 12 games during her initial season alongside Sabrina Ionescu. Over the years, she has developed into a vocal leader and a crucial "glue player," contributing significantly to the Liberty's 2024 championship run, a presence that was notably missed during the team's difficult previous season.
Laney-Hamilton has a history of dealing with injuries, making the challenge of returning to form a familiar, though still difficult, situation. Stewart has expressed admiration for Laney-Hamilton's approach, noting that she is "letting the game come to her" and is a vital part of the team's success. Stewart added that the team will continue to focus on integrating all players more fully.
Laney-Hamilton acknowledged the high stakes of the current 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."