"Is it because the Storm are too easy to scout and don’t make good in-game adjustments, allowing other coaches to pinpoint their weakness and exploit them?"
I am a Coach Quinn defender in all the fan chats -- but what I heard from a Seattle U coach that Jewell had talked to is this is the main reason. Lack of solid in-game adjustments that leave us easy to scout. Leaving Ezi and Gabby on the bench late in this one. Pulling Ezi out and putting in cold Tina Charles late in 2022.
I am ride or die but it is hard to watch these games.
Ezi's lack of effort boxing Brink out was appalling. She didn't put a body on her at all and just starred at the ball in flight. Every Hooper is taught to boxout THEN find the ball. Seems the Storm just look for the ball EXCEPT Nneke. Nneke is always boxing out. Maybe Ezi thinks because she's so tall she doesn't have to boxout. Or maybe she just doesn't want to get physicali? All I know is players are getting inside position on her easily. This also happens to Dom. Hopefully someone gets to her before it becomes habit.
Also, on the defensive end why do the Stotm guard straight up only to constantly get beat? Why not adjust and shade players to their strong hand forcing them to use their weak one? Perfectly examples of this is Plum being left handed and constantly allowed to drive left or Hamby constantly driving right all for easy layups.
You would think coaching would be stressing this at practice or in game. This organization definitely needs new direction..How does COACH Bird sound? Like the Mariners hiring Dan Wilson I wonder if the Storm hire Sue to bring life back to this team.
Regarding playing players straight up. I don't fully agree with that. I believe both Erica Wheeler and Slim Sykes slightly shaded Plum to her right hand. However, this is the WNBA. Most players are talented enough to attack down either side of the hoop, so that's why you can't completely overplay to one side. As far as Dom getting beat off the dribble. Let's not forget that Dearica Hamby is a former All-Star, multiple 6th woman of the year, etc. Hamby is the 2nd best player in the 2015 draft, and you could make the argument, even the best over Peak Jewell Loyd. I put more blame on the coaching staff and Malonga's teammates, for putting Dom in that situation twice in the final 20 seconds of the game.
It would be interesting to see how many time Plum went left and Hamby right. Yes Dom is young abd gets a learning curve. It just seemed like they were consistently going to their strong side.
Another thing that hasn't been. mentioned is Skylar tool ZERO freethrow shots. That is unbelievable to me. As much as she drives to the basket she was never fouled once? They called s ticky tack foul on Dom and Hamby went to the line after missing a layup. The Refs do not give Sylar calls. I can see why she's frustrated.
Everything that we know, Sue does NOT want to coach. I also believe that the organization would be smart to bring in a more established Head Coach, even if it's from the College game. I can't see Dawn Staley leaving Southern Carolina. Probably not, but could the Storm get Kara Lawson from Duke? Atlanta has had a lot of success picking up Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast. Maybe they can find someone like him.
I was totally with you until Coach Bird. Everytime I hear similar thoughts about great players coaching their former team, it reminds me of Magic and his very short, very unsuccessful stint with the Lakers. I remember him saying something like that players didn't want to put in the effort like him and didn't want to be coached the way he wanted. I have to think it would be the same with Sue.
Also will never understand comparisons of the Storm with the Mariners, or any other local team. They are completely different originations, with completely different histories. No similarities at all past the city they play in. I'm sad about the current season as well, but I'll take what the Storm have done any day over the Mariners.
Only comparison made was the fact the M's put Wilson in charge and Edgar as hitting coach. So far its worked out well this season. Most coaches are in fact former players.
I agree, Jeff, that our staff needs to be more nimble about challenges within games. There were too many opportunities to question the ref decisions yesterday that were ignored. Also, Coach Noey needs to step out of her comfort zone and actively defend her players when they get fouled and the refs ignore it. Her players need that support from her. It's demoralizing for them when they drive to the basket and get hacked and nothing gets called. I think it would give them a lift to have Noey overtly demonstrate that she has their back.
One thing I'm curious about in terms of Ezi. We keep seeing she's not as aggressive on offense. But how does she play with her European team? When I saw her in the Olympics bronze match, she was phenomenal. Is she not aggressive in general, and that match was an exception? Or is she not aggressive on the Storm? Because those are two different issues.
I believe the Storm have asked her to prioritize defense over her offense for their team. I have always been high on Ezi's potential. Maybe even more than deserved. I believe Ezi is more aggressive on the Opals or possibly in Europe, but I haven't really watched her Eurobasket games.
I followed Euroleague last season, she arrived Prague around Dec/Jan and was injured for about a month, and missed some games.
When came back, she was struggling a bit, but had a monster game (both offense and defence) that essentially powered USK Prague to win in semifinal over Fener's underperforming front court of Tina Charles, Nyara Sabally, Emma Meesseman (the only player who played well for Fener in that game was Gabby Williams, Kayla McBribe was subpar in that game) and did decent in the final, hit a couple of threes and looked confident.
According to European transfer source, Ezi is not going to Europe next year, to play in Unrivaled.
Thank you for the info Selena! That's cool that she'll be playing in Unrivaled. I don't know if I've seen that posted anywhere. I try to keep up with as much as I can, but with a full-time 40/hour job on top of my Storm coverage which is equal to another 40/hour job, I only have so much capacity to do everything I do. I appreciate people helping me out.
You are welcomed, I followed a lot of European basketball leagues, the info is from an European transfer source that report on players playing in Europe. He is pretty credible, he always reports on the signings a couple of months before official announcement.
He reported that Ezi is not coming back to USK Praha because she is playing in Unrivaled next season. It will be awesome to see her finally having opportunity to make baskets in Unrivaled.
I really appreciate the even-handedness with which you write, especially when addressing blame. I’m not one to reflexively blame a coach. But I see where she has to share the blame as you describe.
I want to ask, when the current CBA expires the draft lottery formula also expires. Do you think they will still look at multiple prior seasons when awarding the lottery picks? So a silver lining of missing the playoffs this season would be better odds in the lottery if they miss next year as well!
But who knows? This could all be a big waste of time. The Storm still have the means and ability to get right this season.
Thanks for the kind words. It is a difficult topic to talk about, and I'm trying to be as fair as possible when analyzing what's happening. Regarding the draft, I honestly really like the two-year rule because it helps teams that are struggling for multiple seasons. Although it definitely hurt the Storm in 2023, because they were so good in 2022, they lost out on Caitlin Clark or Cameron Brink, and then traded away the pick. They wouldn't have traded the pick if they were going to get Clark, and I don't think they would have for Brink either.
I do wonder, because they're going to be adding so many new teams. Going from 12 to 13 to 15 and eventually to 18 over the next 5 years. It might make more sense to just base it on single seasons again.
Thanks for the article. If Storm is intending to rebuild next year, i saw you suggested to keep both Gabby Williams and Brittney Sykes? I wonder if that would be a good idea? Because there is no spacing again with Gabby, Sykes and Horston. Keeping one (by coring) and let the other go, is that would be for free since both are UFAs?
From what was going on in Mystics, i don't know if Sykes would be a great option to keep while developing the rookies, essentially it was a lot of backlash and fans were not happy with her tendency to ball hog especially in crunch times instead of sharing with the rookies (Citron and Kiki), while Citron seems to be a pretty clutch player. I assume that's why she requested a trade and go to Storm (i don't think she would be delusional to think Storm was title contender at trading time).
But bringing Brittney Sykes right now, seems to risk existing players' morale, at least that's what i saw yesterday. Ezi and Gabby's usage was taken away. Ezi looked even more passive and discouraged while Gabby looked checkout after a while since they barely get involved or touch the ball on offense. And having Sykes coming in and taking all the shots in crunch time over players like Nneka just doesn't seem right, but it happened twice against LV Aces and LA Sparks already.
I should clarify. I'm not suggesting they must keep Gabby Williams and Brittney Sykes both. But they could be open to the idea. Whether in the article or in one of the comments, I mentioned the option of potentially coring either Gabby or Sykes and then trading them to try to recoup a draft pick or to move up in the draft. Everything is fluid, of course. As I responded in another comment, the Storm could keep Nneka around for another couple of years and have her be the older veteran that helps Dom Malonga and potentially Ezi Magbegor.
The whole reason the Storm could blow it up is because it doesn't feel like the Nneka and Skylar option has worked. Seattle still has 12 games to prove that wrong. If they start clicking over the final 6-8 games, it is possible they could go on a run in the playoffs. As crazy as it sounds, the Chicago Sky went 16-16 in the 2021 regular season, but got hot late and won the whole thing.
But let's say the Storm either miss the playoffs or finish as the 7th or 8th seed. They're going to have around 3 or so options. They can just run it all back with the same coaching staff and players (they might lose a player or two, but keep the same core). And then just try to be more aggressive in Free Agency. Or they hope that by adding Jordan Horston and possibly someone like Katie Lou Samuelson, they feel they can compete better in 2026. I have a hard time seeing this scenario.
The next option would be to change the Coaching staff, but keep the core intact. If the owners believe that Nneka and Skylar could compete for a championship if they just had better coaching, then we could see that happen.
Or they could decide to just "blow it up". Go with a full youth movement, that would most likely include Dominique Malonga, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, at least one of the team's 2026 first-round picks, and potentially Gabby Williams and/or Brittney Sykes. Gabby is younger, so she would take priority. But maybe it's an instance where Gabby decides she wants to go somewhere else, and they retain Sykes. If that was the remaining core, they'd still want to build shooters around them. Could they recruit Allisha Gray or Jackie Young (those two might get Cored), but if not, they would be high-priority free agents to try to recruit.
Also, I don't get the theory that the players are upset that Brittney Sykes has joined the team. At least publicly, they've talked about needing the help. Erica Wheeler admitted the starters were exhausted because of how many minutes they're playing, and Sykes can help burden that load. Also, I've seen multiple fans online complain about Sykes shooting too much in the game against Los Angeles. This doesn't make any sense to me because she shot above 50% while scoring nearly 30 points and hit several key shots late in the game to keep them in it. If she had shot something like 7-25 FG from the floor, I could understand the complaint, but not from her performance on Sunday, which was efficient and timely.
Thanks for the clarification and for sharing your thoughts.
I don't think any players will complain publicly, maybe just my eyes and my imagination, but it does look it will impact how the team play offence now since we have two backcourt who are both high volume scorers (42% and 39% shooters).
There are fewer shots for the front court (supposedly higher percentage) to take, especially for passive player like Ezi. And i don't like that since Ezi is one of my favourite players. There used a couple plays ran for her here and there, and with this change, i imagine she gets fed even less. And Gabby got passive in that last game since there weren't much team plays but mostly Sykes playing solo ball, she was camping in the corner on offence after a while. Essentially it's just backcourt duo Skylar and Sykes taking 40 shots, while the other 3 starters combined for about 20.
I disagree that it was a mistake to trade the Storm’s first round pick. Hindsight is 20/20, but if you’re sitting there with the three picks, currently ahead of the other two in the standings and looking to trade for a player that will presumably give your team a boost, trading the other picks would be insane. You’d essentially be betting against your own team as GM, and it’s not like one of those other picks belonged to Minnesota. If they were in blow up and tank mode, they would not have made the trade in the first place.
I definitely agree about the hindsight being 20/20. And I previously stated that their pick was the one to trade. The Sparks pick has by far the highest value because of how bad they were last season. Even if they were the best team to miss the playoffs this year, because of last year’s record, that would probably be a Top 4 pick. The point I was trying to make is this. Let’s say, Skylar or Gabby or someone on the team is dealing with an injury. I would hope that everything is being communicated between players, coaches, and GMs. If I was the GM, I would want an open and honest communication of where the team stands and how confident they are in turning it around. If they weren’t confident, I would have looked to trade the Aces’ pick. Especially, if I knew a player was hurt. For Seattle’s sake, hopefully, they don’t miss the playoffs.
It does seem like something isn’t right with Gabby (who was dealing with an ankle early in the season) and Skylar (who missed that game after the break and seems a little quiet lately). But I think just the fact that they made that trade at all tells me they intend to make a playoff push. If they didn't think so, then why make the trade? Keep all of your assets. But who knows. Maybe it’s something Quinn wanted and the GM caved on, but if that was the case we’d have a real problem.
I do think that Gabby is not 100% or she'd be in the game in crunch time. I also think Skylar has been working through something since she missed the game right after the All-Star break. But I love how Sykes is fitting in. We still have so much talent on the team.
You have mentioned Ezi's lack of aggressiveness in several posts; yet you want to keep her in your newly proposed team built around youth. Is youth the only or your main criterion? There's value in steadiness, too, if it's combined with skill. I think that's what Nneka brings to the team. It's what AC brought, too, but she had lost most of her skill. If we are to have a big transition next year, I'd keep Nneka. Skylar, whom I have loved, probably should go. I don't know about Ezi. Seattle loves her. She's the only one with her own special cheer. I'd like to see what she could be with a new coach.
The reason I suggest moving on from Nneka and Skylar is that if this is the best they're going to be able to do with the Storm (fringe playoff team, first-round exit), then I would rather the team "tank" with a youth movement, get elite talent in the draft and build up a group of younger stars.
In my eyes, the worst area you can be in professional sports is where the Storm have been over the past two seasons. A team that makes the playoffs, but isn't a top seed, and isn't a realistic contender. But they're also at least good enough where they don't completely tank and end up with top elite players in the draft like a Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, etc.
However, that isn't the only way to build a team. I agree that there can be value in steadiness. Sue Bird had enough left in the tank at her older age that she was able to help guide a younger Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd to two WNBA Championships, even though they were the better players at that point in their careers. So you could make the argument that the Storm could try to do that with Nneka, too, for another couple of seasons. I just have concerns about being stuck in the "danger zone" of not being good enough to truly compete, but also not bad enough to bottom out, get elite talent in the draft, and change into a true contender.
I've never been a fan of tanking for the draft. Seems unfair to the fans, team, and the intent of draft ordering. But I totally see benefit in developing young talent even if that means multiple losing seasons. Losing can be bearable if you are seeing progress toward a goal.
I also see benefit in keeping veteran leadership (1, 2 players max) to help mentor the younger players. But for that to work, it would likely mean this veterans moving to the bench. I'm not sure whether Nneka would be up for that. I'm fairly certain Skylar wouldn't be. Regardless, they would have to understand that success would be 3+ years off. I don't get the impression that many older players are up for that in sports today.
Didn't Tina Charles come to the Storm as a bench player a few years ago? Whatever, it didn't work out. Definitely wouldn't work for Skylar. I wouldn't insult Nneka by making her a bench player. I'd keep her as a starter for at least another year under a new coach. Then we'd see.
" they [Skylar and Nneka] were swept in the first round of the playoffs, created a rift with the Storm’s other star Jewell Loyd . . ." I've never heard that Skylar and Nneka created a rift with Loyd. I have always heard that Jewell had issues with Quinn.
There was absolutely a rift between at least Skylar and Jewell. Yes, there were issues with Quinn and Loyd as well. Nneka and Skylar are very close, and they came in and wanted to do things one way, and Jewell thought things were going to go another way.
So frustrating. Might be a combination of reasons, including coaching staff and Nneka/Skylar being too old. Skylar’s competitiveness does seem to be problematic when they lose.
This happened last year at this exact same time — they started off strong and then fell apart post all-star/olympic break.
Unfortunately, Storm hasn’t been a fun team to watch this year.
I wrote 2 comments here yesterday that seem to have disappeared altogether. I just said that I think that the Storm can make a push for the playoffs but they've lost 5 games in a row to teams that they should have beaten and now the next 2 games are against the Atlanta Dream who are playing great and would be expected to beat us. If we can take at least one of those games, we definitely have a chance. If we could win both we're definitely in the running for the playoffs, but if we lose both, it may be time to turn out the lights on this season. I certainly hope not. This is when true champions step up and play their best. Who will our true champions be?
Agreed. They have to at least split with Atlanta here in this two-game series. If they drop both, that would be 7 losses in a row. They've matched up decently well against the Dream so far this season, winning one game and losing one, but the game they lost, they led by 17 points in the 3rd period. Also, sadly for Atlanta, Jordin Canada was hurt and is expected to miss at least one, if not both, games.
Jeff: In your honest, unvarnished (and possibly politically incorrect) assessment, what will be the most important attributes that the FO will look for in the next coach, as the regime change unfolds this offseason?
I would look for someone that has a longer track record. I would advise against someone with less coaching experience than Quinn. I would be open to both men and women coaches. I think Karl Smesko and Nate Tibbetts have proven that male head coaches can still work in the WNBA. I don’t think they need a military hard ass of a coach, but I also feel like maybe Quinn has been too player friendly. Maybe some of the players treat her more like a friend or peer than their coach. They should explore the college world, the NBA/G-League, etc. if they go with the WNBA, I’d probably look at Cheryl Reeve’s Coaching Tree. Maybe Lindsay Whalen. Other options could be Kristi Toliver or Latricia Trammell. Get someone who has a good system, can make adjustments, and can be more stern, more demanding. And isn’t afraid to get a Technical Foul.
I’ve pondered Niele Ivey, as well. She has the high level college experience, and with recruiting and preparing WNBA players at Guard U. NBA experience. Hard to know how much of a hard ass she can be (I guess Skylar could tell you). And perhaps most importantly, in today’s world, she would be a huge fashion upgrade, for those “tunnel fits” 😂
I think Niele Ivey would fall into the category of Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, etc. I don't think that's very realistic because they probably get paid significantly higher at those college programs than they would in the WNBA. Staley makes $4 Million per season at South Carolina, according to Google. Just a couple of years ago, Becky Hammon became the first WNBA head coach to be paid $1 Million per season.
Agree completely. I wasn't even thinking about whether she'd consider making the jump. I would actually be concerned if she were to think about the leap. She was mainly an illustration of a prototype for me.
What a great article. You really nailed all the factors that are contributing to the Storm’s decline. Losing that game by keeping the two best defenders on the bench and leaving Dom in to get beat twice on the same play is indefensible. I really felt awful for Dom. Way to throw your rookie under the bus and erode her confidence. I like how you said it’s a toxic situation. The Storm need to clean house over the off season and build through their talented youth and the draft. They should have done this when Stewie left. And, If they don’t address their 3 pt shooting, they will never get far. The Sykes trade was a Hail Mary. Even with her 27 points and amazing play, Storm coaching staff couldn’t get a win over the Sparks on a back to back. Is Sykes an unrestricted free agent next year? If so, they traded a pick for a 2 month rental? Thanks again for a great analysis.
“What about Ezi’s passiveness and lack of physicality? How much of that is playing a factor in Seattle being out-rebounded nearly every game? Magbegor’s inability to box out Cameron Brink directly cost the Storm three points in a game in which they lost by three points.”
A few times I’ve seen you suggest the team could be rebuilt around Ezi and yet there is this passivity that seems unshakable. Just wondering if she is worthy of being part of the core going forward. As an aside, I adore Ezi personally and would love to see her continue with the team.
I think Ezi needs some kind of support from the coaching staff that she's not getting at the moment. I think she's a perfectionist who may shut down a little when she thinks she may have made a mistake. I want her to play with passion and joy. She's thrilling when she goes rim to rim.
"Is it because the Storm are too easy to scout and don’t make good in-game adjustments, allowing other coaches to pinpoint their weakness and exploit them?"
I am a Coach Quinn defender in all the fan chats -- but what I heard from a Seattle U coach that Jewell had talked to is this is the main reason. Lack of solid in-game adjustments that leave us easy to scout. Leaving Ezi and Gabby on the bench late in this one. Pulling Ezi out and putting in cold Tina Charles late in 2022.
I am ride or die but it is hard to watch these games.
Ezi's lack of effort boxing Brink out was appalling. She didn't put a body on her at all and just starred at the ball in flight. Every Hooper is taught to boxout THEN find the ball. Seems the Storm just look for the ball EXCEPT Nneke. Nneke is always boxing out. Maybe Ezi thinks because she's so tall she doesn't have to boxout. Or maybe she just doesn't want to get physicali? All I know is players are getting inside position on her easily. This also happens to Dom. Hopefully someone gets to her before it becomes habit.
Also, on the defensive end why do the Stotm guard straight up only to constantly get beat? Why not adjust and shade players to their strong hand forcing them to use their weak one? Perfectly examples of this is Plum being left handed and constantly allowed to drive left or Hamby constantly driving right all for easy layups.
You would think coaching would be stressing this at practice or in game. This organization definitely needs new direction..How does COACH Bird sound? Like the Mariners hiring Dan Wilson I wonder if the Storm hire Sue to bring life back to this team.
Regarding playing players straight up. I don't fully agree with that. I believe both Erica Wheeler and Slim Sykes slightly shaded Plum to her right hand. However, this is the WNBA. Most players are talented enough to attack down either side of the hoop, so that's why you can't completely overplay to one side. As far as Dom getting beat off the dribble. Let's not forget that Dearica Hamby is a former All-Star, multiple 6th woman of the year, etc. Hamby is the 2nd best player in the 2015 draft, and you could make the argument, even the best over Peak Jewell Loyd. I put more blame on the coaching staff and Malonga's teammates, for putting Dom in that situation twice in the final 20 seconds of the game.
It would be interesting to see how many time Plum went left and Hamby right. Yes Dom is young abd gets a learning curve. It just seemed like they were consistently going to their strong side.
Another thing that hasn't been. mentioned is Skylar tool ZERO freethrow shots. That is unbelievable to me. As much as she drives to the basket she was never fouled once? They called s ticky tack foul on Dom and Hamby went to the line after missing a layup. The Refs do not give Sylar calls. I can see why she's frustrated.
Not only does Sue not want to coach, bringing her in now to save the season is setting her up to fail.
Sue has consistently said she doesn't want to coach. Maybe she could be persuaded, but it doesn't seem so.
Everything that we know, Sue does NOT want to coach. I also believe that the organization would be smart to bring in a more established Head Coach, even if it's from the College game. I can't see Dawn Staley leaving Southern Carolina. Probably not, but could the Storm get Kara Lawson from Duke? Atlanta has had a lot of success picking up Karl Smesko from Florida Gulf Coast. Maybe they can find someone like him.
We know that: (1) Sue is very smart; (2) Sue loves being loved; (3) Sue is not interested in being fired.
Valid points.
Big time college coaches would be taking a pay cut in the W.
I was totally with you until Coach Bird. Everytime I hear similar thoughts about great players coaching their former team, it reminds me of Magic and his very short, very unsuccessful stint with the Lakers. I remember him saying something like that players didn't want to put in the effort like him and didn't want to be coached the way he wanted. I have to think it would be the same with Sue.
Also will never understand comparisons of the Storm with the Mariners, or any other local team. They are completely different originations, with completely different histories. No similarities at all past the city they play in. I'm sad about the current season as well, but I'll take what the Storm have done any day over the Mariners.
Only comparison made was the fact the M's put Wilson in charge and Edgar as hitting coach. So far its worked out well this season. Most coaches are in fact former players.
I agree, Jeff, that our staff needs to be more nimble about challenges within games. There were too many opportunities to question the ref decisions yesterday that were ignored. Also, Coach Noey needs to step out of her comfort zone and actively defend her players when they get fouled and the refs ignore it. Her players need that support from her. It's demoralizing for them when they drive to the basket and get hacked and nothing gets called. I think it would give them a lift to have Noey overtly demonstrate that she has their back.
One thing I'm curious about in terms of Ezi. We keep seeing she's not as aggressive on offense. But how does she play with her European team? When I saw her in the Olympics bronze match, she was phenomenal. Is she not aggressive in general, and that match was an exception? Or is she not aggressive on the Storm? Because those are two different issues.
I believe the Storm have asked her to prioritize defense over her offense for their team. I have always been high on Ezi's potential. Maybe even more than deserved. I believe Ezi is more aggressive on the Opals or possibly in Europe, but I haven't really watched her Eurobasket games.
I followed Euroleague last season, she arrived Prague around Dec/Jan and was injured for about a month, and missed some games.
When came back, she was struggling a bit, but had a monster game (both offense and defence) that essentially powered USK Prague to win in semifinal over Fener's underperforming front court of Tina Charles, Nyara Sabally, Emma Meesseman (the only player who played well for Fener in that game was Gabby Williams, Kayla McBribe was subpar in that game) and did decent in the final, hit a couple of threes and looked confident.
According to European transfer source, Ezi is not going to Europe next year, to play in Unrivaled.
Thank you for the info Selena! That's cool that she'll be playing in Unrivaled. I don't know if I've seen that posted anywhere. I try to keep up with as much as I can, but with a full-time 40/hour job on top of my Storm coverage which is equal to another 40/hour job, I only have so much capacity to do everything I do. I appreciate people helping me out.
You are welcomed, I followed a lot of European basketball leagues, the info is from an European transfer source that report on players playing in Europe. He is pretty credible, he always reports on the signings a couple of months before official announcement.
He reported that Ezi is not coming back to USK Praha because she is playing in Unrivaled next season. It will be awesome to see her finally having opportunity to make baskets in Unrivaled.
I really appreciate the even-handedness with which you write, especially when addressing blame. I’m not one to reflexively blame a coach. But I see where she has to share the blame as you describe.
I want to ask, when the current CBA expires the draft lottery formula also expires. Do you think they will still look at multiple prior seasons when awarding the lottery picks? So a silver lining of missing the playoffs this season would be better odds in the lottery if they miss next year as well!
But who knows? This could all be a big waste of time. The Storm still have the means and ability to get right this season.
Thanks for the kind words. It is a difficult topic to talk about, and I'm trying to be as fair as possible when analyzing what's happening. Regarding the draft, I honestly really like the two-year rule because it helps teams that are struggling for multiple seasons. Although it definitely hurt the Storm in 2023, because they were so good in 2022, they lost out on Caitlin Clark or Cameron Brink, and then traded away the pick. They wouldn't have traded the pick if they were going to get Clark, and I don't think they would have for Brink either.
I do wonder, because they're going to be adding so many new teams. Going from 12 to 13 to 15 and eventually to 18 over the next 5 years. It might make more sense to just base it on single seasons again.
Thanks for the article. If Storm is intending to rebuild next year, i saw you suggested to keep both Gabby Williams and Brittney Sykes? I wonder if that would be a good idea? Because there is no spacing again with Gabby, Sykes and Horston. Keeping one (by coring) and let the other go, is that would be for free since both are UFAs?
From what was going on in Mystics, i don't know if Sykes would be a great option to keep while developing the rookies, essentially it was a lot of backlash and fans were not happy with her tendency to ball hog especially in crunch times instead of sharing with the rookies (Citron and Kiki), while Citron seems to be a pretty clutch player. I assume that's why she requested a trade and go to Storm (i don't think she would be delusional to think Storm was title contender at trading time).
But bringing Brittney Sykes right now, seems to risk existing players' morale, at least that's what i saw yesterday. Ezi and Gabby's usage was taken away. Ezi looked even more passive and discouraged while Gabby looked checkout after a while since they barely get involved or touch the ball on offense. And having Sykes coming in and taking all the shots in crunch time over players like Nneka just doesn't seem right, but it happened twice against LV Aces and LA Sparks already.
I should clarify. I'm not suggesting they must keep Gabby Williams and Brittney Sykes both. But they could be open to the idea. Whether in the article or in one of the comments, I mentioned the option of potentially coring either Gabby or Sykes and then trading them to try to recoup a draft pick or to move up in the draft. Everything is fluid, of course. As I responded in another comment, the Storm could keep Nneka around for another couple of years and have her be the older veteran that helps Dom Malonga and potentially Ezi Magbegor.
The whole reason the Storm could blow it up is because it doesn't feel like the Nneka and Skylar option has worked. Seattle still has 12 games to prove that wrong. If they start clicking over the final 6-8 games, it is possible they could go on a run in the playoffs. As crazy as it sounds, the Chicago Sky went 16-16 in the 2021 regular season, but got hot late and won the whole thing.
But let's say the Storm either miss the playoffs or finish as the 7th or 8th seed. They're going to have around 3 or so options. They can just run it all back with the same coaching staff and players (they might lose a player or two, but keep the same core). And then just try to be more aggressive in Free Agency. Or they hope that by adding Jordan Horston and possibly someone like Katie Lou Samuelson, they feel they can compete better in 2026. I have a hard time seeing this scenario.
The next option would be to change the Coaching staff, but keep the core intact. If the owners believe that Nneka and Skylar could compete for a championship if they just had better coaching, then we could see that happen.
Or they could decide to just "blow it up". Go with a full youth movement, that would most likely include Dominique Malonga, Jordan Horston, Ezi Magbegor, at least one of the team's 2026 first-round picks, and potentially Gabby Williams and/or Brittney Sykes. Gabby is younger, so she would take priority. But maybe it's an instance where Gabby decides she wants to go somewhere else, and they retain Sykes. If that was the remaining core, they'd still want to build shooters around them. Could they recruit Allisha Gray or Jackie Young (those two might get Cored), but if not, they would be high-priority free agents to try to recruit.
Also, I don't get the theory that the players are upset that Brittney Sykes has joined the team. At least publicly, they've talked about needing the help. Erica Wheeler admitted the starters were exhausted because of how many minutes they're playing, and Sykes can help burden that load. Also, I've seen multiple fans online complain about Sykes shooting too much in the game against Los Angeles. This doesn't make any sense to me because she shot above 50% while scoring nearly 30 points and hit several key shots late in the game to keep them in it. If she had shot something like 7-25 FG from the floor, I could understand the complaint, but not from her performance on Sunday, which was efficient and timely.
Thanks for the clarification and for sharing your thoughts.
I don't think any players will complain publicly, maybe just my eyes and my imagination, but it does look it will impact how the team play offence now since we have two backcourt who are both high volume scorers (42% and 39% shooters).
There are fewer shots for the front court (supposedly higher percentage) to take, especially for passive player like Ezi. And i don't like that since Ezi is one of my favourite players. There used a couple plays ran for her here and there, and with this change, i imagine she gets fed even less. And Gabby got passive in that last game since there weren't much team plays but mostly Sykes playing solo ball, she was camping in the corner on offence after a while. Essentially it's just backcourt duo Skylar and Sykes taking 40 shots, while the other 3 starters combined for about 20.
I disagree that it was a mistake to trade the Storm’s first round pick. Hindsight is 20/20, but if you’re sitting there with the three picks, currently ahead of the other two in the standings and looking to trade for a player that will presumably give your team a boost, trading the other picks would be insane. You’d essentially be betting against your own team as GM, and it’s not like one of those other picks belonged to Minnesota. If they were in blow up and tank mode, they would not have made the trade in the first place.
I definitely agree about the hindsight being 20/20. And I previously stated that their pick was the one to trade. The Sparks pick has by far the highest value because of how bad they were last season. Even if they were the best team to miss the playoffs this year, because of last year’s record, that would probably be a Top 4 pick. The point I was trying to make is this. Let’s say, Skylar or Gabby or someone on the team is dealing with an injury. I would hope that everything is being communicated between players, coaches, and GMs. If I was the GM, I would want an open and honest communication of where the team stands and how confident they are in turning it around. If they weren’t confident, I would have looked to trade the Aces’ pick. Especially, if I knew a player was hurt. For Seattle’s sake, hopefully, they don’t miss the playoffs.
It does seem like something isn’t right with Gabby (who was dealing with an ankle early in the season) and Skylar (who missed that game after the break and seems a little quiet lately). But I think just the fact that they made that trade at all tells me they intend to make a playoff push. If they didn't think so, then why make the trade? Keep all of your assets. But who knows. Maybe it’s something Quinn wanted and the GM caved on, but if that was the case we’d have a real problem.
I do think that Gabby is not 100% or she'd be in the game in crunch time. I also think Skylar has been working through something since she missed the game right after the All-Star break. But I love how Sykes is fitting in. We still have so much talent on the team.
The team that beat MINN at home this year seems like a completely different team.
You have mentioned Ezi's lack of aggressiveness in several posts; yet you want to keep her in your newly proposed team built around youth. Is youth the only or your main criterion? There's value in steadiness, too, if it's combined with skill. I think that's what Nneka brings to the team. It's what AC brought, too, but she had lost most of her skill. If we are to have a big transition next year, I'd keep Nneka. Skylar, whom I have loved, probably should go. I don't know about Ezi. Seattle loves her. She's the only one with her own special cheer. I'd like to see what she could be with a new coach.
The reason I suggest moving on from Nneka and Skylar is that if this is the best they're going to be able to do with the Storm (fringe playoff team, first-round exit), then I would rather the team "tank" with a youth movement, get elite talent in the draft and build up a group of younger stars.
In my eyes, the worst area you can be in professional sports is where the Storm have been over the past two seasons. A team that makes the playoffs, but isn't a top seed, and isn't a realistic contender. But they're also at least good enough where they don't completely tank and end up with top elite players in the draft like a Breanna Stewart, A'ja Wilson, etc.
However, that isn't the only way to build a team. I agree that there can be value in steadiness. Sue Bird had enough left in the tank at her older age that she was able to help guide a younger Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd to two WNBA Championships, even though they were the better players at that point in their careers. So you could make the argument that the Storm could try to do that with Nneka, too, for another couple of seasons. I just have concerns about being stuck in the "danger zone" of not being good enough to truly compete, but also not bad enough to bottom out, get elite talent in the draft, and change into a true contender.
The Storm are sadly becoming the WNBA version of the Chicago Bulls 😅
Yes, we're in a danger zone or perilously close to one. Get a new coach and then decided about Nneka.
I've never been a fan of tanking for the draft. Seems unfair to the fans, team, and the intent of draft ordering. But I totally see benefit in developing young talent even if that means multiple losing seasons. Losing can be bearable if you are seeing progress toward a goal.
I also see benefit in keeping veteran leadership (1, 2 players max) to help mentor the younger players. But for that to work, it would likely mean this veterans moving to the bench. I'm not sure whether Nneka would be up for that. I'm fairly certain Skylar wouldn't be. Regardless, they would have to understand that success would be 3+ years off. I don't get the impression that many older players are up for that in sports today.
Didn't Tina Charles come to the Storm as a bench player a few years ago? Whatever, it didn't work out. Definitely wouldn't work for Skylar. I wouldn't insult Nneka by making her a bench player. I'd keep her as a starter for at least another year under a new coach. Then we'd see.
" they [Skylar and Nneka] were swept in the first round of the playoffs, created a rift with the Storm’s other star Jewell Loyd . . ." I've never heard that Skylar and Nneka created a rift with Loyd. I have always heard that Jewell had issues with Quinn.
There was absolutely a rift between at least Skylar and Jewell. Yes, there were issues with Quinn and Loyd as well. Nneka and Skylar are very close, and they came in and wanted to do things one way, and Jewell thought things were going to go another way.
o.k. didn't know that.
So frustrating. Might be a combination of reasons, including coaching staff and Nneka/Skylar being too old. Skylar’s competitiveness does seem to be problematic when they lose.
This happened last year at this exact same time — they started off strong and then fell apart post all-star/olympic break.
Unfortunately, Storm hasn’t been a fun team to watch this year.
I wrote 2 comments here yesterday that seem to have disappeared altogether. I just said that I think that the Storm can make a push for the playoffs but they've lost 5 games in a row to teams that they should have beaten and now the next 2 games are against the Atlanta Dream who are playing great and would be expected to beat us. If we can take at least one of those games, we definitely have a chance. If we could win both we're definitely in the running for the playoffs, but if we lose both, it may be time to turn out the lights on this season. I certainly hope not. This is when true champions step up and play their best. Who will our true champions be?
Agreed. They have to at least split with Atlanta here in this two-game series. If they drop both, that would be 7 losses in a row. They've matched up decently well against the Dream so far this season, winning one game and losing one, but the game they lost, they led by 17 points in the 3rd period. Also, sadly for Atlanta, Jordin Canada was hurt and is expected to miss at least one, if not both, games.
Jeff: In your honest, unvarnished (and possibly politically incorrect) assessment, what will be the most important attributes that the FO will look for in the next coach, as the regime change unfolds this offseason?
I would look for someone that has a longer track record. I would advise against someone with less coaching experience than Quinn. I would be open to both men and women coaches. I think Karl Smesko and Nate Tibbetts have proven that male head coaches can still work in the WNBA. I don’t think they need a military hard ass of a coach, but I also feel like maybe Quinn has been too player friendly. Maybe some of the players treat her more like a friend or peer than their coach. They should explore the college world, the NBA/G-League, etc. if they go with the WNBA, I’d probably look at Cheryl Reeve’s Coaching Tree. Maybe Lindsay Whalen. Other options could be Kristi Toliver or Latricia Trammell. Get someone who has a good system, can make adjustments, and can be more stern, more demanding. And isn’t afraid to get a Technical Foul.
I’ve pondered Niele Ivey, as well. She has the high level college experience, and with recruiting and preparing WNBA players at Guard U. NBA experience. Hard to know how much of a hard ass she can be (I guess Skylar could tell you). And perhaps most importantly, in today’s world, she would be a huge fashion upgrade, for those “tunnel fits” 😂
I think Niele Ivey would fall into the category of Dawn Staley, Geno Auriemma, etc. I don't think that's very realistic because they probably get paid significantly higher at those college programs than they would in the WNBA. Staley makes $4 Million per season at South Carolina, according to Google. Just a couple of years ago, Becky Hammon became the first WNBA head coach to be paid $1 Million per season.
Agree completely. I wasn't even thinking about whether she'd consider making the jump. I would actually be concerned if she were to think about the leap. She was mainly an illustration of a prototype for me.
What a great article. You really nailed all the factors that are contributing to the Storm’s decline. Losing that game by keeping the two best defenders on the bench and leaving Dom in to get beat twice on the same play is indefensible. I really felt awful for Dom. Way to throw your rookie under the bus and erode her confidence. I like how you said it’s a toxic situation. The Storm need to clean house over the off season and build through their talented youth and the draft. They should have done this when Stewie left. And, If they don’t address their 3 pt shooting, they will never get far. The Sykes trade was a Hail Mary. Even with her 27 points and amazing play, Storm coaching staff couldn’t get a win over the Sparks on a back to back. Is Sykes an unrestricted free agent next year? If so, they traded a pick for a 2 month rental? Thanks again for a great analysis.
Yes, Sykes is an UFA after the season.
Ugh
“What about Ezi’s passiveness and lack of physicality? How much of that is playing a factor in Seattle being out-rebounded nearly every game? Magbegor’s inability to box out Cameron Brink directly cost the Storm three points in a game in which they lost by three points.”
A few times I’ve seen you suggest the team could be rebuilt around Ezi and yet there is this passivity that seems unshakable. Just wondering if she is worthy of being part of the core going forward. As an aside, I adore Ezi personally and would love to see her continue with the team.
I think Ezi needs some kind of support from the coaching staff that she's not getting at the moment. I think she's a perfectionist who may shut down a little when she thinks she may have made a mistake. I want her to play with passion and joy. She's thrilling when she goes rim to rim.