Kennedy Burke making Liberty return look easy in hunt for greater bench role

Not a day has gone by since the Liberty hoisted the WNBA Finals trophy that Kennedy Burke doesn’t remind herself that she’s a WNBA champion.

That title and the pride that comes with knowing she contributed to New York’s first professional basketball title in decades not only energized her offseason work but has also fueled her desire to do it again.

It didn’t take much convincing from coach Sandy Brondello to get Burke back for this year.

“Kennedy could have went elsewhere,” Brondello said Tuesday after practice. “But it was the easiest sign on I’ve ever had to be quite honest. ‘Kennedy, I want you back. It’s going to be easier.’ ”

Burke’s role fluctuated over the course of last season, her first with the Liberty and sixth overall.

In 38 games, including three starts, Burke averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds on 40.9 percent shooting from the field in 12.1 minutes per game.

But Burke’s willingness to accept whatever role asked of her is what makes her a good fit for the Liberty in their title defense.

Burke will likely play more at power forward this season, but could be a small forward in certain lineups. In early training camp conversations, Burke said Brondello would like to initiate transition offense in certain situations.

“I’ve been a versatile player all my life so I’m kind of used to it,” Burke said. “So I’m excited to step into that role for a bigger team, a better team.”

The Liberty boasted the best offense in the league last season and were one of the most lethal teams in transition. That’s a characteristic from 2024 that Brondello would like to see carry over to this year.

Training camp is an opportunity for teams to experiment with lineups and scenarios. It’s also an opportunity for players to showcase improved areas of their games.

Burke isn’t the same player who joined the Liberty last season after being out of the league in 2023. She was timid and was learning as she went about what was expected of her and how the Liberty did things.

Kayla Thornton, now a member of the Golden State Valkyries, helped Burke come out of her shell and be herself.

“Now it’s my second year, I feel like I’m way comfortable with being myself, being my goofy, weird self,” Burke said. “So I give props to her for just being that person that I could just be myself.”

With Thornton gone, Burke knows she may need to step into a leadership role for the bench.

“She was that big voice for us on the bench, so I know it’s my second year now, so I’m that vet that has to communicate more and I have to be able to be approachable when the rookies or even one of the vets have a question,” Burke said. “I’ve got to be open. But like I said, I think the biggest thing is probably going to be my vocal leadership.”

The Liberty are only a few days into camp. They don’t play their first preseason game until May 9 and are still more than two weeks away from their May 17 season opener against the Las Vegas Aces.

But early returns on Burke have been positive, according to Brondello.

“You see she’s so explosive on those first steps, it’s been pretty impressive for us. She’s improved her 3-point shooting,” Brondello said. “Look, I think Year 2 in a team like this is easier than Year 1. To have learn the whole system, last year she didn’t do a training camp, so she’s already ahead. You see how more comfortable she is. She knows where she can pick the pocket. She’s versatile. So we’re gonna lean into that and [we’re] excited. I think she’ll earn some good minutes.”