I am thrilled and can't wait to see Gabby back in action, even if it is against the Aces :-( . You pointed out some possible parallels with Tina Charles displacing Ezi last year, and Gabby potentially/likely doing the same with Jordan. It seems that in Ezi's case, she was at a more crucial stage of her development - playing starter minutes, and had her growth stunted, trying to adjust to a much different role with Charles present. Jordan hasn't been playing - and clearly isn't ready to play - starter minutes, especially with playing a new position. It wouldn't surprise me to see her being able to play freer, perhaps with lower expectations.
As the Gabby situation dragged on, I was wondering if she could have signed a multiyear contract, rather than punting and repeating the whole issue into next year?
With the prioritization rules even stricter in 2024 I have to believe that's a large reason why Gabby didn't or wasn't willing to sign a multi-year deal. Hopefully, for Seattle, Gabby is a player the team can retain for future seasons beyond this year.
“Williams is just 26 years old. She certainly is a player a team could plan to build around. However, with the Prioritization Rules still playing a major impact on players like Williams and the fact that Gabby will now be an UFA in 2024 it’s unclear what the future holds for her and the franchise.
There are a lot of “ifs” here, but if the Storm miss the playoffs, but also hurt their draft lottery odds, lose Gabby after this season, and stunt the growth of other younger players - was this move worth it?”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Gabby is great, but unless we’re shooting for a ring which we are so not, this kind of mid season signing doesn’t make much long term sense.
I am really excited to be getting Gabby back on the Storm. She is like Ms. Excitement personified. She is so active and works so hard. I love watching her power moves to the basket. I think there are similarities between her game and Jordan Horston's game. They are both really exciting players. Gabby is a more experienced player, so I'm sure that Jordan can learn a few things from Gabby. They are both real competitors who will make their teammates better. When you get them out there running with Ivana Dojkic and Jewell and Ezi Magbegor, we have the makings of a really decent team. Of course Dulcy Fankam Menjiadeu and Joyner Holmes are a big part of the new Rising Storm, too, and we can't forget about Kia Nurse and Sami Whitcomb, either. I think we will start racking up some wins before too long. I don't know how long it will be until Gabby is able to play a major role with the team again, but the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned.
I am thrilled and can't wait to see Gabby back in action, even if it is against the Aces :-( . You pointed out some possible parallels with Tina Charles displacing Ezi last year, and Gabby potentially/likely doing the same with Jordan. It seems that in Ezi's case, she was at a more crucial stage of her development - playing starter minutes, and had her growth stunted, trying to adjust to a much different role with Charles present. Jordan hasn't been playing - and clearly isn't ready to play - starter minutes, especially with playing a new position. It wouldn't surprise me to see her being able to play freer, perhaps with lower expectations.
As the Gabby situation dragged on, I was wondering if she could have signed a multiyear contract, rather than punting and repeating the whole issue into next year?
With the prioritization rules even stricter in 2024 I have to believe that's a large reason why Gabby didn't or wasn't willing to sign a multi-year deal. Hopefully, for Seattle, Gabby is a player the team can retain for future seasons beyond this year.
“Williams is just 26 years old. She certainly is a player a team could plan to build around. However, with the Prioritization Rules still playing a major impact on players like Williams and the fact that Gabby will now be an UFA in 2024 it’s unclear what the future holds for her and the franchise.
There are a lot of “ifs” here, but if the Storm miss the playoffs, but also hurt their draft lottery odds, lose Gabby after this season, and stunt the growth of other younger players - was this move worth it?”
I couldn’t agree with you more. Gabby is great, but unless we’re shooting for a ring which we are so not, this kind of mid season signing doesn’t make much long term sense.
Love Gabby and also completely agree with your thoughts. A multiyear deal would have changed the whole equation.
I am really excited to be getting Gabby back on the Storm. She is like Ms. Excitement personified. She is so active and works so hard. I love watching her power moves to the basket. I think there are similarities between her game and Jordan Horston's game. They are both really exciting players. Gabby is a more experienced player, so I'm sure that Jordan can learn a few things from Gabby. They are both real competitors who will make their teammates better. When you get them out there running with Ivana Dojkic and Jewell and Ezi Magbegor, we have the makings of a really decent team. Of course Dulcy Fankam Menjiadeu and Joyner Holmes are a big part of the new Rising Storm, too, and we can't forget about Kia Nurse and Sami Whitcomb, either. I think we will start racking up some wins before too long. I don't know how long it will be until Gabby is able to play a major role with the team again, but the sooner the better as far as I'm concerned.