Allies at Liberty GM detail potential abilities Natasha Cloud may unleash with the reigning champions
Revamped Liberty's Roster: The Massive Impact of Adding Natasha Cloud
Unveiling reigning WNBA champions New York Liberty's newest addition - point guard extraordinaire Natasha Cloud - has sent ripples across the league. Beyond strengthening their roster pre-free agency, Liberty's General Manager Jonathan Kolb aimed high with this move, hankering after a player that could unleash unparalleled on-court magic.
Famously, before 2023 free agency, Kolb's whiteboard bore the names of Breanna Stewart, Courtney Vandersloot, and Jonquel Jones. Since then, Kolb has successfully lured all three stars to New York. With his latest coup, Cloud, joining two years later than expected, he's striking while the iron is hot, capitalizing on her boundary-pushing talent and electrifying energy.
"Tash Cloud wasn't on our radar initially for this past offseason," Kolb admitted to the media during a training camp availability. "She's a player we've had circled for ages – we saw her potential for two-way play long ago."
Liberty's quest for continuous improvement was paramount for Kolb, especially considering their recent string of WNBA Finals trips and capturing their maiden championship in 2024. To sustain their dominance, he sought a player who could propel their already loaded roster to even greater heights.
"Tasha's a leader, plain and simple," boasted Kolb. "She leads with her voice and her actions, and her energy is contagious. I can't wait to see the impact she'll have on our team."
Cloud began her WNBA career with the Washington Mystics, moving to the Phoenix Mercury in 2024, but now returns to the East Coast, bringing invaluable experience and proven production to the Liberty. Over the past three seasons, she's averaged double figures in scoring and at least six assists per game – numbers that could spell huge dividends for the Liberty.
Off the court, Cloud's charisma and team spirit are equally captivating. Already, her energy has become palpable during practice sessions, despite still donning the Mystics' green and purple. It's this infectious zest and vocal leadership that Kolb believes will be instrumental in filling the void left by Vandersloot's departure to Chicago.
A Sparkling Combo: Cloud and Ionescu
With Vandersloot in the Windy City, the Liberty found themselves in need of a new point guard. Though Vandersloot served as a reliable offensive spark off the bench during the playoffs, Cloud is poised to step up and share the court with Sabrina Ionescu.
Ionescu had an impressive season in 2024, but her playoff performances were uneven. Enhancing her decision-making and ensuring more scoring opportunities have been identified as crucial moving forward. That's where Cloud steps in, equipped with an unquenchable thirst to facilitate her teammates and elevate the defense.
"Cloud is genuinely excited about creating opportunities for our players," Kolb noted. "She'll study each player and make sure they're in the best possible positions to succeed. And her defensive prowess? It needs to be seen to be believed."
For Ionescu, a season of growth lies ahead. If she continues to grow on her trajectory, Kolb expects a stellar campaign, with Cloud as her able teammate.
"I believe Sabrina's set for something extraordinary," Kolb claimed confidently. "With Tash alongside her, I'm convinced she'll reach new heights."
The Liberty kick off their title defense on May 17 against the Las Vegas Aces, after hosting the Connecticut Sun in an exhibition match on May 6. They'll mark the occasion with a banner raising and ring ceremony before the home opener on May 17, another testament to their unstoppable rise. With Cloud joining the fold, the Liberty are primed for even greater triumphs and tailored to conquer the 2025 WNBA season.
- The addition of Natasha Cloud to the New York Liberty's roster, set to tip off in the 2025 WNBA season, is anticipated to create a dynamic duo with Sabrina Ionescu.
- Natasha Cloud's exceptional qualities as a leader and her unmatched basketball intelligence add substantial qualities that will bridge the gap left by Courtney Vandersloot's departure.
- Tash Cloud's two-way potential, demonstrated by her history with the Washington Mystics and Phoenix Mercury, will bring an engaging blend of offense and defense to the Liberty's WNBA championship-winning squad.
- Jonathan Kolb's shrewd talent acquisition of Natasha Cloud is a strategic move to secure success in the upcoming 2025 WNBA season and further solidify New York Liberty's dominance in women's basketball.
- With Cloud's arrival, the Liberty aims to hone their roster to compete magnificently in both the regular season and playoffs, ultimately securing a position in the WNBA championship series of 2025.
