Bria Hartley re-signed with the New York Liberty after a solid first season with the franchise.

Bria Hartley has re-signed with the New York Liberty after spending one season with the franchise. Last season, Hartley started slowly. however, the season half of the season, Hartley averaged 10.8 points per game. For the season Hartley averaged 7.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

It is safe to say Hartley found her groove in the second half of the season. In the 17 games where Hartley produced at this higher level, the Liberty went 14-3. In the 14 wins they had victories against the Minnesota Lynx, Los Angeles Sparks and Connecticut Sun.

Hartley, had a tremendous season playing both guard roles, giving the team greater flexibility which is what is required to succeed in today’s WNBA.

Last season Hartley shot the ball at a career best 41.6 percent from the field. Her 7.8 points per game were above her career average but could not match her rookie season she averaged 9.7 point per game.

Hartley was also above her career 3-point shooting percentage (32.7 percent), making 34.5 percent of her attempts from beyond the arc.

All of this is important as so much of the offense in New York centered around Tina Charles. Anything another player can do to create space on the floor forthe superstar to go to work is required.

It will be interesting to see how Hartley’s role changes this year. Brittany Boyd may be back, Sugar Rodgers and Epiphanny Prince demand game time. Lindsay Allen will hopefully develop under new coach Katie Smith.

Last season Hartley made a career high 37 3-pointers. It is a fair assumption that Smith is going to focus on a perimeter offense considering she is second all-time for three-pointers made. Hartley will be asked to take more shots from deep.

If she can continue her development this season like she did last season, the Liberty will be a force to be reckoned with again.

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