Nyara Sabally’s first year at Toronto Tempo always felt like it could have been more, if not for injuries. From a rib and back injury in July to a calf injury in August, Sabally was never at 100% in the latter half of the season, and it eventually cost her the last month and a half. Sabally last played for the Tempo on August 12 against the Dallas Wings, scoring six points on 3-of-7 shooting and grabbing seven rebounds. However, the sun is finally shining on the German star with a long offseason ahead.
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According to Toronto Tempo beat reporter Chelsea Leite on X, Nyara Sabally underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on her left knee. Moreover, the German star has already begun rehabilitation and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2027 season.
This is great news for Sabally and the Tempo, as the 26-year-old is an important addition to head coach Sandy Brondello’s plans. The Australian coach knew what they were getting into with Sabally when they selected her fourth overall in the expansion draft, as Sabally was injury-prone during her time with the New York Liberty, suffering right knee injuries.
But following a career-high 29 points, plus six rebounds, two assists, two steals, and two blocks in 28 minutes against the Chicago Sky back in May, Brondello only had the kindest of words for the German forward.
“We think of the world of Nyara. We drafted her in New York. She had that injury in that first year, but we knew she had potential, and it’s more about her just getting healthy,” said Brondello in a video posted by ESPN’s Kareem Copeland.
“We had that opportunity to get her in the expansion (draft). It was a no-brainer. I also saw that as an opportunity to show everyone what she’s capable of. It was more of a health thing, and not an ability thing.”
Unfortunately, Sabally could not stay in that form throughout the season. During the Tempo’s 111-92 loss against the Atlanta Dream in July, Sabally suffered a rib and back injury from a late fourth-quarter collision with Angel Reese. While Sabally was attacking the rim, Reese made contact with her ribs, and Sabally went down in pain. She placed her hand on her rib area and slouched while walking due to the injury.
Sabally again dealt with a calf injury against the Wings on August 12, and that was her last game for the Tempo this season. Overall, Sabally averaged 12.3 points while shooting 52.7% from the field, 39.2% from outside the arc, and 72.0% from the free-throw line. She also grabbed 5.3 rebounds per game in 24 appearances for the Tempo in their inaugural season.
While Sabally has a long way to go following her successful surgery, her injury history suggests that she needs to be careful. Time is on her side this time, as the German star will hope a healthy 2027 season awaits her to show off the full extent of her capabilities.