Han Xu

Han led China in rebounds while playing only 12 minutes in the squad's blowout win. The 24-year-old has spent three years with the Liberty but chose to sit out the 2024 season to focus on the Olympics, and she boasts career averages of 4.3 points and 1.8 rebounds across 9.7 minutes per game. Han also suited up for China in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, during which she averaged 9.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks across 15.5 minutes in four games.

Han's third WNBA season was cut short due to a foot injury she suffered before competing for China in the Asia Cup. In 2022, she appeared in 32 games and averaged 8.5 points and 3.6 rebounds in 16.8 minutes per game for the Liberty, but it's unclear when she'll return to the WNBA.

Han had her third season in the WNBA and with the Liberty cut short in 2023 due to a foot injury she suffered prior to competing in the Asia Cup. Han was a key contributor of the New York bench a season ago, but injuries limited her availability to return to that form in 2023. It will be interesting to keep an eye on Han this offseason not only to see if she re-signs with New York, but if she decides to play in the WNBA at all in 2024.

Coach Sandy Brondello told reporters that she heard about Han's absence pregame and said it was likely a miscommunication between the team and Han's agent. Han is preparing for a championship in Asia, so it's likely she won't be available for New York's postseason run.

Han hasn't suited up for the Liberty since returning from the FISU games after battling a foot injury and getting into game shape. Although she'll be good to go for Thursday's tilt, Han likely won't command a significant workload considering she's averaged 3.6 minutes per game this season.