One of the best players in the league may not be around when the WNBA season tips off in May.
Seattle Storm superstar Breanna Stewart is expected to miss the 2019 WNBA season with an injured Achilles tendon. Recovery for the injury is usually between 6-to-12 months.
She's expected to undergo surgery in Los Angeles later this week.
“We’re all obviously just concerned and feel kind of helpless because she’s so far away,” Stewart's father Brian told Syracuse.com. “That was tough just watching it for all of us. But she’s a resilient kid. It’s just going to be something she’s going to face and overcome and hopefully come back from.”
Stewart playing for Dynamo Kursk in the EuroLeague title game vs. UMMC Ekaterinburg took a jump shot and landed on Brittney Griner's foot. She immediately collapsed to the court grabbing at her lowry right leg.
Prayers up for @BreannaStewart who was carried off the court after an awkward landing on her ankle 🙏. #EuroLeagueWomen pic.twitter.com/5l89Vd6bsV
— EuroLeague Women (@EuroLeagueWomen) April 14, 2019
“I don’t think it’s a career-ending type of injury,” Stewart's father Brain continued. “But it’s certainly going to put her in the barn for a while.”
The 24-year-old averaged 21.8 points, 8.4 rebounds shooting 53% from the field in 34 games. She was named the league's Most Valuable Player leading the Storm to a league-best 26-8 record and WNBA champion last season.
The Storm will begin their title defence on May 25 at 3:30 p.m. ET against the Phoenix Mercury.