French guard Marine Johannès rejoined the Liberty this week after sitting out last year’s WNBA season for the Paris Olympics.
Johannès was a full participant Tuesday in the Liberty’s third day of training camp.
While she’s preparing for her fourth WNBA season in seven years, this is her first time participating in the Liberty’s preseason ramp-up.
“We’re happy that she’s back,” coach Sandy Brondello said after practice. “We’re very excited to continue to integrate her in our team.”
It’s early, but Brondello said Johannès’ reacclimation to the team has gone “smoothly.”
“We want Marine to come in and be Marine,” Brondello said. “She’s a better player than we saw two years [ago] as well, too. So, excited about that — how she adds another level to what we want to do.”
Johannès, 30, opted out of last year’s title-winning Liberty season as she helped the French women’s national team win silver at its home Olympics.
Johannès, who played this past offseason in Turkey, last month signed a one-year, minimum deal, worth $66,079.
Johannès’ return means the return of more flashy no-look passes and her trademark one-legged 3s.
She also adds to the guard depth and provides additional floor spacing for the Liberty, and likely will play a pivotal part in the team’s hopes of successfully defending its 2024 title.
Johannès has started 15 of her 78 WNBA contests, averaging 8.0 points, 2.4 assists and 1.6 rebounds while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from deep.
