Rhyne Howard Injury Could Impact USA 3x3 Women's Basketball Team
Atlanta Dream star Rhyne Howard was forced to leave Wednesday's contest against the Minnesota Lynx due to an ankle injury. Howard was hurt after stepping on an opposing player's foot in what is another unfortunate story for the WNBA when it comes to on court injuries following what happened to Los Angeles Sparks rookie Cameron Brink.
Just like Brink, Howard is a member of the Team USA 3x3 women's basketball team set to compete in the Olympics this Summer in Paris. Brink suffered a torn ACL so we know she will not be able to participate while Atlanta coach Tanisha Wright said Howard would be evaluated further Thursday after suffering what appeared to be an ankle sprain.
Howard was the first overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft and the Rookie of the Year that same season. The two-time All Star is having an excellent season thus far for the Dream averaging 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.2 steals per game.
TCU guard Hailey Van Lith and Cierra Burdick of Tennessee are the remaining healthy participants for the squad set to go for 3x3 gold. It is unclear who will be chosen to replace Brink and Howard, if necessary. Though obviously both the Dream and Team USA will be hoping that Rhyne is available to participate.
The US won the inaugural tournament in 2021 with a roster of Allisha Gray, Jackie Young, Kelsey Plum, and Stefanie Dolson. Of course Young and Plum are both members of the 5-on-5 Olympic team that will be taking the court in Paris.
Robin Lundberg is a media veteran and hoops head who has spent the bulk of his career with iconic brands like Sports Illustrated and ESPN. His insights have also been featured on platforms such as Fox and CNN and he can currently be heard hosting shows for Sirius XM and on his burgeoning YouTube show. And now he brings his basketball expertise to Women's Fastbreak on SI!