Longtime Connecticut Sun point guard Jasmine Thomas will miss the remainder of the 2022 WNBA season after tearing the ACL in her right knee in Sunday's victory against the Indiana Fever, it was announced Tuesday.
Thomas will undergo reconstructive surgery on her injured knee, though no timetable for the procedure or rehabilitation was provided by the team.
"Of course, I'm sad that I won't be able to continue playing on the court with this special team," Thomas said in a release. "Everyone has been supportive and uplifting, and I'm just preparing mentally and emotionally to attack my recovery. I will continue to be a vocal leader and support my team from the sidelines. They're incredible and I'm excited about what they're going to achieve."
The injury marks the third consecutive season that the Sun, who have made it to the semifinals or better in each of the past three seasons but have yet to win a title, will be without a major contributor for the majority of the season.
Jonquel Jones, last season's MVP, opted out of the 2020 "bubble" season, while two-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas was sidelined for nearly all of the 2021 campaign with an Achilles tear. With those two, plus Courtney Williams, back in the fold, the Sun were considered championship contenders this summer.
The second-longest-tenured player in Connecticut behind Alyssa Thomas, Jasmine Thomas has spent the majority of her 12-year WNBA career in Uncasville after being traded there in 2015. She earned All-Star recognition in 2017 and has been named to five All-Defensive teams, including second team in 2021. She has averaged 9.6 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 11 steals in 26.0 minutes throughout her career, and up until now has missed only seven games during her time in the league.
"Saddened and disappointed for Jas," Sun coach Curt Miller said. "She has been the epitome of an iron woman throughout her career. We will support her throughout her recovery and continue to lean on her leadership lens from the sideline. We look forward to having her back on the court in the future."