The new crop of rookie players in the WNBA has suddenly diverted the attention of a majority of basketball fans toward the women’s league. While athletes like Caitlin Clark and Angel Resse are getting significant attention, another player who is on the enthusiasts and analyst’s lookout is LA Sparks small forward Cameron Brink. The 22-year-old has even caught the attention of Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler, who reportedly flew all the way to LA once to show his support. Unfortunately, now with Brink on the sidelines because of a severe injury, a renowned sportscaster took an unusual stance and ‘blamed’ the NBA star for inflicting his ‘curse’ on her.

A few hours ago, Stephen A. Smith touched base on Cameron Brink’s injury on his YouTube show, offering his “condolences” and wishing her his best. At the same time, however, he unexpectedly, yet jokingly, brought up Jimmy’s name. “Jimmy Butler man, you went out there to visit her, and then all of a sudden she got hurt,” said Smith.

However, he immediately clarified with a slight smile on his face, “I’m only playing, I’m only playing, bro. Not joking about her injury at all, just teasing Jimmy Butler a little bit. That’s my man. But nothing but the best for Cameron Brink”. She sustained a torn ACL in her left knee during a recent matchup against the Connecticut Sun. After being carried back to the locker room, she took to social media to reveal that the seriousness of the injury would cause her to be out for the rest of her rookie season in the WNBA.

She will reportedly also not represent Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, missing out on the 3 x 3 women’s basketball tournament. Brink’s unexpected situation comes just a few months after Jimmy Butler himself was sidelined during the final stages of the regular season because of a torn MCL. While the Miami Heat managed to reach the playoffs, the lead scorer’s absence did not allow them to go much further, causing their run to be ended within the first round. Butler never got the chance to return to the court for the remaining games, just like Cameron Brink, who will also be out for the remainder of the season.

Butler sent his support to Cameron Brink post-injury through social media

Condolences and well wishes didn’t take long to come in after Cameron Brink’s season-ending injury became public knowledge. While Jimmy Butler didn’t come out outright to send love and support for the WNBA rookie, he did it indirectly, as perceived. In an Instagram story, he was playing a round of cards with his friends while donning Brink’s #22 jersey. While giving out his ‘Wednesday Wisdom’ to the fans in the midst of the game, Butler could be heard saying, “You say you gonna do something, just do it”.

via Getty

The respect that Cameron Brink holds for Jimmy Butler is no secret. It was visible during an activity played in an interview when she picked Jimmy Butler as her favorite over 6 other NBA players. The 34-year-old reciprocated the respect when he turned up at one of the LA Sparks games donning Cameron Brink’s Sparks jersey. The duo even shared a hug and a few words after the conclusion of the game. In Butler’s own words, Cameron Brink is someone “going to change the game for the better.”

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.