The Sparks have re-signed restricted free agent Brittney Sykes, the team announced Monday, bringing back a staunch defender from the perimeter.
Sykes was voted into the WNBA’s second All-Defensive team in 2020 after averaging 1.5 steals per game, a career high, which ranked 15th in the league. His 24.4 minutes per game ranked 53rd among all players. She averaged 10.1 points and 2.6 rebounds after working in the starting lineup for the last 15 games of the season.
“Brittney brings tremendous energy to basketball and to our organization,” Sparks coach Derek Fisher said in a statement. “She has demonstrated an ability throughout her career to be a two-way perimeter player who puts her stamp on the game in a number of ways.”
Sykes was selected seventh overall in 2017 from Syracuse and made the All-Rookie team with the Atlanta Dream. She came to Sparks in a trade before last season. Immediately after the Sparks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, Sykes went abroad, where he plays for OGM Ormanspor in Turkey’s main league and averages 15.1 points and 1.1 steals per game in the league.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to continue my career with LA Sparks,” Sykes said in a statement. “Thanks to the group of owners, the coaching staff and my teammates for the love and support provided. I am very excited to be back with the Sparks family and compete. “
