The New York Liberty 2009 relied on Shameka Christon as their primary scorer, while Janel McCarville provided versatile frontcourt production with rebounding and playmaking. Loree Moore and Leilani Mitchell shared ball-handling duties, and Cathrine Kraayeveld added floor spacing from the frontcourt. Despite solid defensive numbers and balanced rebounding, the Liberty struggled to score consistently, with inefficient offense and limited scoring depth undermining an otherwise competitive defensive profile.
Primary scoring wing who carried the largest offensive responsibility for New York. Christon’s role combined perimeter shooting, aggressive drives, and difficult defensive assignments, making her the Liberty’s most consistent two-way perimeter threat. Her improved free throw shooting also reflected her ability to pressure defenses rather than rely only on jump shots.
—
Janel McCarville
Starter/Star (1.1)
26.5
High (1.2)
12.3
5.5
2.8
2.7
51.48
Interior playmaker who remained one of the Liberty’s most unique offensive pieces. McCarville could score from the post, facilitate from the elbow, and protect the rim defensively, giving New York a frontcourt creator who helped diversify an offense built around perimeter players.
—
Loree Moore
Starter/Star (1.1)
27.7
Medium (1.1)
6.3
3.7
3.9
2.0
34.54
Defensive point guard who set the tone with ball pressure and transition play. Moore’s impact came from organizing the offense, creating turnovers, and covering difficult defensive assignments, even while operating as a lower-volume scorer in the backcourt.
—
Essence Carson
Starter/Star (1.1)
25.3
Medium (1.1)
10.0
2.1
1.4
1.4
32.67
Athletic wing scorer who expanded into a major rotation role with her ability to attack closeouts and defend multiple perimeter spots. Carson brought energy and shot-making to the lineup, providing another offensive option alongside Christon and helping the Liberty maintain athleticism on the wing.
WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008)
Cathrine Kraayeveld
Key Contributor (1.05)
26.1
Medium (1.1)
9.0
4.6
0.9
1.0
32.34
Stretch forward whose shooting created valuable offensive spacing. Kraayeveld’s willingness to shoot from deep forced defenses to adjust, while her rebounding and positional defense allowed her to remain effective in different lineup combinations.
—
Ashley Battle
Key Contributor (1.05)
16.1
Low (1.0)
5.2
2.5
1.2
1.0
20.87
Defensive wing specialist used to provide toughness and matchup flexibility. Battle’s role was less about offensive creation and more about guarding opponents’ perimeter threats, making hustle plays, and giving the rotation a reliable veteran presence.
—
Tiffany Jackson-Jones
Key Contributor (1.05)
14.6
Low (1.0)
5.3
3.4
0.7
1.0
18.59
Athletic reserve forward who supplied energy around the basket. Jackson-Jones gave New York rebounding, interior activity, and defensive versatility, allowing the team to maintain a mobile frontcourt even without traditional size-heavy lineups.
—
Kia Vaughn
Bench (1.0)
11.6
Low (1.0)
4.8
2.6
0.2
0.3
15.80
Young center developing as an interior reserve. Vaughn’s efficient finishing and size provided depth behind McCarville, while her role focused on rebounding, paint defense, and learning the demands of the professional game.
—
Leilani Mitchell
Bench (1.0)
12.8
Low (1.0)
2.4
1.2
2.2
0.4
12.40
Backup guard who helped stabilize second units with ball handling and quick decision-making. Mitchell’s limited scoring role was balanced by her ability to organize possessions and provide occasional perimeter shooting.
—
Sidney Spencer
Bench (1.0)
10.3
Low (1.0)
3.0
1.2
0.5
0.2
10.00
Reserve wing used primarily as a shooting option and depth piece. Spencer provided spacing when needed but played behind a crowded group of perimeter players with larger responsibilities.
—
Erlana Larkins
Bench (1.0)
7.6
Low (1.0)
2.4
1.7
0.4
0.7
10.40
Energy forward who contributed in short stretches through physical play and rebounding. Larkins’ opportunities were limited, but her interior toughness gave New York another option in reserve minutes.
—
Totals
—
222.9
—
77.8
33.4
15.0
12.4
297.17
New York’s rotation was driven by Christon’s perimeter scoring, McCarville’s inside-out versatility, and Moore’s defensive leadership. The Liberty balanced veteran two-way contributors with younger athletic players, creating a roster built around flexibility and matchup options.
