Between Storm Chasers and Sounder at Heart/Ride of the Valkyries, we're blessed to have good independent reporting, analysis and commentary on these teams to go along with some good beat writers from the Seattle Times.
One of the things I'm most excited about is how the Storm will likely be able to generate points in a number of different ways. Last season, it seemed like when Jewel was out, the offense couldn't generate good shots. With the additions, they should be able to generate good looks through 1) Nneka in the post, 2) SDS P&R with Ezi, others, 3) Jewel coming off screens for a catch and shoot or dribble drive. Best of all, we can stagger minutes to that we have at least 2 of them on the floor at all times.
I love Mercedes Russell's game but I think she at some point will be the next salary dump. She's far too inconsistent for the amount she's paid. Dulcy is just as productive and a cheaper option. Plus if Portland gets a franchise I could see her wanting to return home to play.
Russell's current contract ends after this season. They couldn't move on from her this season because I don't think anyone would trade for her guaranteed contract. But 2025 will be really interesting because I know both Jewell and Coach Quinn are high on Mercedes' game. And when she's healthy and at her best, she can be a very strong asset. I'd like to go back and re-watch the tape but I feel Mercedes defense against A'ja Wilson in the 2020 WNBA Finals was an underrated story. I just felt her size and length bothered A'ja just enough on some of her shots that kept her in check because no one is going to fully stop A'ja completely.
I can't see Russell returning to the Storm at the same number she's paid this year. But I could still see her back on the team if she has a better season than the previous two and takes less money. Seattle's front office will need to prioritize Ezi Magbegor, Nneka Ogwumike, and possibly Gabby Williams in 2025 before signing Russell to a new deal.
I really hope Gabby is able to come back next year and we still have the same group of core players. It would have been extra exciting this season if we were able to have her in the 3 but I understand why she isn't.
Also absolutely love how excited SDS sounds about joining us. Should be a super exciting season!
If the Olympics weren't happening and Gabby was also signed to this team, I wonder how much that would change perception. Would the Storm be the favorites to win the Championship? They currently have the third-best odds according to Vegas. Probably not because how can you go against the back-to-back champions who are bringing back a healthier Candace Parker? Either way, I think Gabby Williams would make this team quite a bit better and give them more depth at a position they currently don't have a lot in.
If everything works out and they can bring back Nneka and Ezi (Skylar and Jewell will still be under contract) along with the rookies, plus add Gabby Williams. I think it would make for a very dangerous team. 2025 could be super exciting but let's see how things play out in 2024 first!
That's a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I could see her staying at Iowa. She would be able to put her scoring record so far out of reach that it would almost certainly never be broken. But who knows, she might be ready for a new challenge and to move on to the WNBA.
Also, Indiana has a pretty nice young core with Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith. Adding Caitlin Clark to that group and if everything went right, not only could I see them being a playoff team but actual title contenders in a few years. Like when Clark would be in her 3rd or 4th year. They could potentially build something special in Indiana.
However, if Clark does stay in college, she might end up in Chicago or Washington DC and I'm not sure either of those situations would be any better. She could wind up in Los Angeles which would probably be better than Indiana, at least from a brand and marketing standpoint. But even from a team standpoint I'm not sure if that would be as ideal as pairing up with Aliyah Boston.
Great summary of the press conference, as well as the story behind the story. Thank you for providing some of the best coverage of the Seattle Storm.
Thank you for the kind words Marc! That is my goal to provide great coverage for the WNBA and especially covering the Storm.
Between Storm Chasers and Sounder at Heart/Ride of the Valkyries, we're blessed to have good independent reporting, analysis and commentary on these teams to go along with some good beat writers from the Seattle Times.
One of the things I'm most excited about is how the Storm will likely be able to generate points in a number of different ways. Last season, it seemed like when Jewel was out, the offense couldn't generate good shots. With the additions, they should be able to generate good looks through 1) Nneka in the post, 2) SDS P&R with Ezi, others, 3) Jewel coming off screens for a catch and shoot or dribble drive. Best of all, we can stagger minutes to that we have at least 2 of them on the floor at all times.
I love Mercedes Russell's game but I think she at some point will be the next salary dump. She's far too inconsistent for the amount she's paid. Dulcy is just as productive and a cheaper option. Plus if Portland gets a franchise I could see her wanting to return home to play.
Russell's current contract ends after this season. They couldn't move on from her this season because I don't think anyone would trade for her guaranteed contract. But 2025 will be really interesting because I know both Jewell and Coach Quinn are high on Mercedes' game. And when she's healthy and at her best, she can be a very strong asset. I'd like to go back and re-watch the tape but I feel Mercedes defense against A'ja Wilson in the 2020 WNBA Finals was an underrated story. I just felt her size and length bothered A'ja just enough on some of her shots that kept her in check because no one is going to fully stop A'ja completely.
I can't see Russell returning to the Storm at the same number she's paid this year. But I could still see her back on the team if she has a better season than the previous two and takes less money. Seattle's front office will need to prioritize Ezi Magbegor, Nneka Ogwumike, and possibly Gabby Williams in 2025 before signing Russell to a new deal.
I really hope Gabby is able to come back next year and we still have the same group of core players. It would have been extra exciting this season if we were able to have her in the 3 but I understand why she isn't.
Also absolutely love how excited SDS sounds about joining us. Should be a super exciting season!
If the Olympics weren't happening and Gabby was also signed to this team, I wonder how much that would change perception. Would the Storm be the favorites to win the Championship? They currently have the third-best odds according to Vegas. Probably not because how can you go against the back-to-back champions who are bringing back a healthier Candace Parker? Either way, I think Gabby Williams would make this team quite a bit better and give them more depth at a position they currently don't have a lot in.
If everything works out and they can bring back Nneka and Ezi (Skylar and Jewell will still be under contract) along with the rookies, plus add Gabby Williams. I think it would make for a very dangerous team. 2025 could be super exciting but let's see how things play out in 2024 first!
I wonder if Caitlin Clark will choose not to go pro this year just because she'd be pretty much guaranteed to go to Indiana
That's a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I could see her staying at Iowa. She would be able to put her scoring record so far out of reach that it would almost certainly never be broken. But who knows, she might be ready for a new challenge and to move on to the WNBA.
Also, Indiana has a pretty nice young core with Aliyah Boston and NaLyssa Smith. Adding Caitlin Clark to that group and if everything went right, not only could I see them being a playoff team but actual title contenders in a few years. Like when Clark would be in her 3rd or 4th year. They could potentially build something special in Indiana.
However, if Clark does stay in college, she might end up in Chicago or Washington DC and I'm not sure either of those situations would be any better. She could wind up in Los Angeles which would probably be better than Indiana, at least from a brand and marketing standpoint. But even from a team standpoint I'm not sure if that would be as ideal as pairing up with Aliyah Boston.
We will see what she decides ...