Carson re-signs with Liberty, Smith signs as free agent

Feb 26, 2013 - 6:23 PM New York, NY (Sports Network) - The New York Liberty re-signed guard/forward Essence Carson and agreed to a contract with free agent guard Katie Smith.

Carson appeared in all 34 games for the Liberty last season, making 23 starts, and averaged a career-best 11.6 points with 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Entering her sixth year in the league, Carson has averaged 8.6 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 168 games.

Smith, a 14-year veteran, has averaged 13.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists in her storied WNBA career with Minnesota, Detroit, Washington and Seattle. She is a seven-time All-Star and two-time First-Team All-WNBA selection.

The WNBA's all-time leader in 3-point field goals made and attempted was a member of two WNBA title teams in Detroit under current Liberty head coach and general manager Bill Laimbeer.