The WNBA is in a state of flux as two of its most iconic players, Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart, have recently announced their departures from the Seattle Storm. The Storm have been a powerhouse in the WNBA for the past decade, winning three championships and making five consecutive playoff appearances. However, with the departures of Bird and Stewart, the team is now faced with the challenge of rebuilding its roster.
The Storm have already begun to address this challenge by utilizing the WNBA Draft. The team has selected two players in the first round of the draft, guard Ezi Magbegor and forward Katie Lou Samuelson. Magbegor is a physical guard who can provide a defensive presence and score from all three levels. Samuelson is a sharpshooter who can stretch the floor and provide a scoring punch off the bench.
The Storm also have two second round picks in the draft, guard Kiana Williams and forward Lauren Cox. Williams is a crafty guard who can create her own shot and be a playmaker for her teammates. Cox is a versatile forward who can rebound and protect the rim on defense. Both players have the potential to be key contributors for the Storm in the future.
The Storm have also been active in free agency, signing veteran guard Jewell Loyd to a multi-year contract. Loyd is an experienced player who can provide leadership and scoring for the team. She will be an important piece in the Storm’s rebuilding process.
The Storm have also been linked to several other free agents, including guards Skylar Diggins-Smith and Diana Taurasi. Diggins-Smith is an explosive scorer who can create her own shot and provide instant offense off the bench. Taurasi is a veteran leader who can still score at a high level and provide guidance to her younger teammates.
The Storm are in a unique position as they look to rebuild their roster after the departures of Bird and Stewart. The team has already made some key moves in the draft and free agency, but they still have work to do if they want to remain competitive in the WNBA. With some smart moves in the coming weeks, the Storm could be back in contention for another championship soon.
