Sabrina Ionescu is leaving the bubble to see a specialist for her injured ankle. Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

WNBA star rookie Sabrina Ionescu seeing specialist about ankle sprain

New York Liberty star rookie Sabrina Ionescu, the first overall pick of the 2020 WNBA Draft, is seeing a foot and ankle specialist in New York to evaluate the Grade 3 left ankle sprain that she suffered just three games into her pro career. 

ESPN confirmed Ionescu's departure from the bubble site of the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, on Wednesday, and added that such ankle sprains often require "months to fully heal."

It's unknown if the 22-year-old guard will return to the bubble for the pandemic-shortened season. As is the case with other leagues, Ionescu would be required to quarantine for a to-be-determined amount of time before she's allowed to rejoin team activities. 

The Liberty lost all four of their opening contests, and New York may elect to sit Ionescu out of precaution because she is viewed as a potential championship cornerstone. New York's final game of the campaign is scheduled for Sept. 12. 

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Mavericks ride 'Luka Magic' on both ends late to win Game 1
Panthers shut out Rangers 3-0 in Eastern Conference Final opener
Watch: Timberwolves and Mavericks trade dunks in third quarter
LeBron James, Charles Barkley passionately defend Caitlin Clark from 'petty' haters
NBA announces 2023-24 All-NBA teams
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner tempers expectations for Juan Soto extension
Canucks' Rick Tocchet wins 2024 Jack Adams Award
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has intriguing comment on his contract situation
Celtics toying around with surprise Jayson Tatum move in conference finals
Incredible Orioles streak finally comes to end against Cardinals
Raiders QB shares surprising reason for switching jersey number
New Jersey Devils to hire just-fired head coach to lead bench
Latest announcements show how deep Knicks' injury issues ran
Star Padres infielder to miss significant time with shoulder injury
Veteran WR announces retirement after nine seasons
Eagles stars defend new DC following criticism
Steelers first-round pick still confident following 'rough' practice
Angel Reese pulls notable sports ownership move
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. hit with record fine for All-Star Race scrap
Sean McVay dodges questions about Matthew Stafford's contract issue