Emma Meesseman fine moving to bench as Liberty role evolves with Breanna Stewart’s return

Emma Meesseman joined the New York Liberty understanding she would play a versatile role, including stepping into the starting lineup when two-time MVP Breanna Stewart was sidelined with a knee injury. Upon Stewart’s return in an 81–79 win over the Connecticut Sun, coach Sandy Brondello moved Meesseman to the bench in favor of Kennedy Burke, citing the need for on-court familiarity among the team’s core players.

Meesseman accepted the decision without hesitation, emphasizing her desire not to disrupt the existing chemistry of the team. Adjusting to the Liberty has been challenging due to limited practice time with the preferred starting lineup, forcing much of her integration to occur during actual games. In the matchup against the Sun, Meesseman played only two minutes alongside Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones.

Brondello acknowledged that Meesseman’s role alongside the team’s stars remains a work in progress, describing it as a “viable option” that requires more in-game experience to optimize. Stewart expressed excitement about their potential together, despite limited playing time together so far. Meesseman has been working with both the starters and the second unit in practice to accelerate her adaptation.

Communication has been key to Meesseman’s transition, with open dialogue in huddles and one-on-one conversations helping her feel more comfortable and less lost on the court. Both Meesseman and the team anticipate her playing time and chemistry with the core group will improve over the final six regular-season games.