10 seconds. That’s how long it took for Coach Lynn Roberts to reason why their 2024 No. 2 pick Cameron Brink played only 8 minutes in the season opener against the Las Vegas Aces. The Sparks started their season with a slap in the face as the defending champions defeated them 105-78. So, it wasn’t like they did not need any help. However, Roberts sent a clear message to Brink demanding improvement.

The Aces had five players reach double figures in the scoring column, a glaring red flag for the Sparks defense. Chennedy Carter scored 22, Jackie Young had 20, and A’ja Wilson had 19. Chelsea Gray and NaLyssa Smith chipped in with 16 and 12 points. On the other hand, the Sparks had Plum leading the way with 27 points while Nneka Ogwumike added 19. But while the Sparks were blown out, Brink remained on the bench and Roberts had a clear reason for it. 

“Cam played about eight minutes. I know she’s come back from a lot. Was it because of that, because she had three fouls in those eight minutes, or what was the reason? Asked the reporter in the post-game press conference. 

“We need Cameron Brink to produce. We need Cam to bring that defensive energy,” Roberts answered. “We have so much confidence and belief in her. She’s got to get out on the floor with confidence and do what she’s capable of doing, but we’re going to need her.”

In her 8 minutes, Brink struggled. She had no points 3 rebounds and more alarmingly 3 turnovers and 3 fouls with a +/- of -19. Admittedly, Brink is coming off a major injury. She tore her ACL in her rookie year. Yes, she returned in 2025 but played only 12.8 minutes per game for 19 games while contributing 5.1 points and 4.3 rebounds per game. Brink played in Unrivaled for Breeze BC averaging 10.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 0.9 assists in 13 games in 11.8 minutes per game. 

However, 3v3 on a smaller court is a completely different thing than a full-intensity WNBA season against the defending champions. Yet, her fitness was clearly not the reason, nor were the fouls because the reporter clearly gave Roberts an opening for either of the two. And she still criticized her performance. Roberts is asking more of Brink. She has the talent to play much better than this. There is a reason she was the first pick behind Caitlin Clark. 

“Part of the beginning of the season is figuring out rotations, chemistry, and all those things. We looked like we didn’t have a lot of floor chemistry out there. Las Vegas Aces did,” Roberts further said. “We’re going to need Cam. She’s going to be a big part of our success, and we have every bit of belief in her.”

The Sparks starting center will likely continue to be Nneka Ogwumike. So, Brink has some time before she is asked for a more pronounced role in this squad, with Emma Cannon and Sania Feagin providing some size as well. However, as the most physically imposing player on this team, she will be needed if they want to improve beyond their 2025 results. In order to do that, Brink will need to adapt to the new reality that is causing her problems.

Cameron Brink Needs to Adjust to the Change In Refereeing Standards

There has been a lot of talk regarding the freedom of movement and the reduction in physicality. And it has resulted in a drastic increase in the total fouls called. Games between the Storm and Liberty and Wings and Fever both had 61 fouls called each, and another one between the Mercury and Sky saw 58 foul calls. Last year we had 34.8 fouls called per game and this year it has been 44.06 in the small sample size so far. 

Brink needs to adapt to the new circumstances. Her specialty is rim defense at 6’4” with a 6-foot-8 wingspan. Brink left Stanford as the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, and her blocking ability has been the X-factor that she brings. Brink recorded at least two blocks in each of her first six regular-season games as a pro, including five blocks in a close loss to the Aces and four in a two-point win over the Mystics.

But the new freedom of movement measures implemented by the league mean less physicality is allowed. That is the central reason 3 fouls were called in such a short time for Brink. It will take time, as the older methods and habits won’t go away that easily. But when they do, the Sparks can expect Brink to fire on all cylinders once she gets into her groove.