Brittney Sykes: From Undrafted to WNBA All-Star

Brittney Sykes’ journey to becoming a WNBA All-Star reads like a sports underdog story, but it’s one built on relentless work ethic rather than luck. Drafted 22nd overall in 2017 by the Atlanta Dream, Sykes arrived in the league with something to prove. Her path hasn’t followed the traditional route of top prospects—she carved her own way through determination and adaptability. Over seven seasons, she’s transformed from a rookie fighting for minutes into a cornerstone player for the Los Angeles Sparks.

The 5’9″ guard-forward’s evolution offers lessons beyond basketball. Sykes has become a vocal advocate for mental health awareness in sports, using her platform to challenge stigma while delivering consistent performance on the court. Her story intersects with broader themes of resilience in professional athletics, particularly for players who don’t follow conventional development paths. As the WNBA approaches its 25th season, Sykes represents the league’s growing emphasis on player development over raw potential.

A Rookie’s Struggle and Immediate Impact

Sykes’ rookie year statistics tell only part of her story. While she averaged 5.8 points per game for Atlanta in 2017, her real value came in intangibles. The Dream drafted her primarily for her defensive prowess—a trait that didn’t always translate to box scores but became crucial in tight games. Her ability to disrupt passing lanes and draw charges made her an immediate asset for a rebuilding franchise.

That first season also revealed Sykes’ mental toughness. As an undrafted prospect in college (she played at Syracuse), she entered the league with something to prove. Her transition from unheralded college player to professional competitor required more than physical adaptation—it demanded psychological resilience. This foundation would serve her well during her first trade to the Connecticut Sun in 2018, where she became a key bench scorer.

Key Attributes That Defined Her Early Career

• Defensive Versatility: Sykes could guard multiple positions, making her invaluable for defensive schemes that required switching.
• Three-Point Development: As a rookie, she shot just 28% from three-point range. By 2020, that number climbed to 37%, showing her commitment to skill development.
• Clutch Performance: Her ability to hit timely shots in the final minutes of close games became a trademark early in her career.
• Leadership by Example: Despite being a younger player, she earned respect through her work ethic rather than seniority.

The Connecticut Sun Years: Finding Her Footing

The 2019 season marked Sykes’ breakout year with the Sun. Under coach Curt Miller, she found a system that maximized her strengths. Playing alongside stars like Jonquel Jones and Alyssa Thomas, Sykes developed into a reliable scoring option off the bench. Her three-point shooting improved dramatically, and her defensive metrics (particularly her steal percentage) placed her among the league leaders.

That season also highlighted her growth as a playmaker. While not traditionally a primary ball-handler, Sykes increased her assist numbers while maintaining her scoring efficiency. This versatility made her one of the most interchangeable players in the league—a quality that would prove crucial during her tenure with the Sun.

Statistical Progression During Her Connecticut Years

Trade to Los Angeles and All-Star Breakthrough

In January 2022, Sykes was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks, reuniting her with coach Derek Fisher, who had previously coached her in Connecticut. This move proved transformative. The Sparks franchise was in transition, and Sykes became a key piece in their rebuilding effort. Her ability to contribute in multiple ways—scoring, defense, and veteran leadership—made her an immediate fan favorite at Crypto.com Arena.

By the 2022 season, Sykes had fully arrived as an All-Star. Her numbers (11.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists per game) represented career highs in nearly every category. More importantly, her impact extended beyond statistics. She became the emotional leader of a young Sparks team, often providing the spark needed in close games.

All-Star Selection and Its Significance

Sykes’ 2022 All-Star selection carried particular weight for several reasons:

1. League Recognition: She became the first Sparks player since Candace Parker in 2019 to earn All-Star honors, signaling a return to prominence for the franchise.
2. Journey Validation: Her selection validated the grind of a player who entered the league with modest expectations but developed into a consistent contributor.
3. Positional Representation: As a guard-forward, her selection highlighted the league’s growing appreciation for versatile role players.
4. Cultural Impact: Her story resonated with younger players who might not fit the traditional “blue-chip” prospect mold but could achieve success through development.

Beyond Basketball: Mental Health Advocacy

While Sykes’ basketball achievements are impressive, her most significant impact may come from her advocacy work. In 2021, she became one of the first active WNBA players to openly discuss her mental health journey. Her transparency about anxiety and depression has helped normalize these conversations in professional sports.

Sykes has partnered with organizations like the Mental Health America to promote resources for athletes. She frequently speaks about the pressures of professional sports and the importance of seeking help. Her willingness to share her struggles has made her a role model for young athletes facing similar challenges.

How Sykes Approaches Mental Health in Professional Sports

• Routine Maintenance: She emphasizes the importance of daily mental health practices, including meditation and journaling, even during the grueling WNBA season.
• Community Building: Sykes has created safe spaces for teammates to discuss mental health, helping to destigmatize these conversations within locker rooms.
• Educational Outreach: She regularly visits schools and community centers to discuss mental health awareness, particularly among young women in sports.
• Professional Support: Sykes works with sports psychologists year-round, not just during off-seasons, demonstrating her commitment to holistic athlete care.

Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter

As Sykes enters her eighth WNBA season, her focus has expanded beyond individual achievement. With the Sparks in a rebuilding phase, she’s taken on a mentorship role for younger players like Zia Cooke and Rae Burrell. Her experience—navigating trades, system changes, and franchise transitions—provides invaluable perspective for the next generation.

Off the court, Sykes continues her mental health advocacy through partnerships with organizations like the National Alliance on Mental Illness. She’s also exploring post-playing career opportunities in sports psychology or broadcasting, fields where her insights would be particularly valuable.

The WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement includes enhanced mental health provisions, and Sykes’ advocacy has positioned her as a key voice in these discussions. Her influence extends beyond basketball court, making her one of the league’s most important players in 2024.

Conclusion

Brittney Sykes’ career trajectory offers a masterclass in professional growth. From an undrafted rookie to an All-Star and mental health advocate, she has redefined what it means to build a sustainable career in professional sports. Her story challenges the traditional athlete development narrative, proving that success often comes from adaptation rather than raw potential.

For young athletes watching her career unfold, Sykes demonstrates that basketball skills alone aren’t enough—mental resilience, adaptability, and advocacy work are equally crucial. As the WNBA continues to evolve, players like Sykes will shape not just the game’s future, but its culture as well.

Her journey reminds us that greatness isn’t always immediate. Sometimes, it’s the players who grind through the hard years who end up changing the game forever.