New York Liberty signs free agent and veteran guard Lindsey Harding

The New York Liberty signed free agent guard Lindsey Harding, per team policy, the terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Harding, a former No. 1 overall pick out of Duke University (2007), is an eight-year veteran of the WNBA, boasting career averages of 10.4 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.

“Lindsey will be a valuable addition to our team; she provides a veteran presence at the guard position, possesses the ability to score the basketball, and is a strong defender,” said New York Liberty Team President Isiah Thomas. “She has enjoyed tremendous success throughout her career, and is a high character individual that will complement the outstanding culture we have established in New York.”

“I am so excited to be a member of the New York Liberty, with the opportunity to play at Madison Square Garden in front of the WNBA’s most loyal fans,” said Harding. “With a team filled with so much talent, drive and determination, combined with the leadership and support from the coaches and staff, it makes a great recipe for success. We all want the same thing, which is to bring a championship to New York.”

Harding has averaged double figures in six of her eight WNBA seasons, posting a career-best 12.8 ppg with the Washington Mystics in 2009, when she also led the league total minutes (1,194). In 2010 she helped the Mystics win the Eastern Conference regular season title while averaging 12.1 points and 4.0 assists per game.

Most recently, she played two seasons for the Los Angeles Sparks, where in 2013 she led the WNBA with 5.2 assists per game.

Prior to joining the Sparks, Harding spent two seasons with the Atlanta Dream, helping guide them to the WNBA Finals in 2011, when she started 33-of-34 games, averaging 10.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. She opened her career with the Minnesota Lynx (2007-08), averaging 11.4 ppg during her rookie season, which led to her being named to the WNBA All-Rookie Team.

The Liberty’s 20th WNBA season opens on Saturday, May 14, when it will travel to Washington, D.C., to face the Washington Mystics at 7 p.m. ET. New York’s home opener at Madison Square Garden is Sunday, May 15, against the Dallas Wings at 5 p.m. ET.