Hall Of Famer Lieberman, 50, Returns To Hardcourt On Seven-Day Contract

Auburn Hills, MI (AHN) - Detroit signed Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman to a seven-day-contract Thursday as the 50-year-old ESPN commentator returns to the team she once coached in the early years of the WNBA.

Lieberman was the Shock's general manager and coach from 1998 to 2000. She previously played for the Phoenix Mercury in itsinaugural season in 1997, then becoming the league's oldest player at 39.

The chance to return to the hardcourt opened up after the Shock lost forward Cheryl Ford for the season.

Ford injured her knee in Tuesday's infamous brawl with the Los Angeles Sparks, which caused suspension among 10 players from both teams, including Shock assistant coach Rick Mahorn.

Detroit coach Bill Laimbeer envisioned the two-time Olympian back playing in The Palace when Lieberman assisted participants in the skills competitions of last year's All-Star Game.

Lieberman, who averaged 15.7 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.1 assists during her career, was a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 1976 and 1980.

She was selected into the Basketball's Hall of Fame in 1996 and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame in 1999.