A familiar city, a new era. The Houston Comets may not be an expansion franchise, but they are a very different team from the one that folded in 2008. With women's basketball gaining momentum, Houston has the chance to create something magical for the city. What better way to achieve that than by bringing in popular players with something to prove? Both Kate Martin and Hailey Van Lith have yet to find a place to call home; the Comets should take advantage of this.
Since her Iowa days, Martin has been a player every fan wants to find success in the WNBA. After stints with the Las Vegas Aces, Golden State Valkyries, LA Sparks, and the Chicago Sky in just two years, Martin's career is up in the air. Her recent move to the WNBL feels like a smart choice as she looks to hone her skills in the offseason.
Van Lith's 1.29 million Instagram followers showcase her popularity in the league. Much like Martin, Van Lith hasn't found a franchise that values her talent. While the Comets, formerly the Connecticut Sun, had the 25-year-old on a developmental contract in 2026, there is no guarantee the franchise will retain her services for another year -- but they should.
Martin and Van Lith's partnership would be a risk worth taking
Connecticut was a disaster in 2026. The franchise is clearly building for the future, but after trading their greatest asset, Aneesah Morrow, and recording just 11 wins, it's hard to see what progress the team is making. Something has to change.
With that being said, the Comets have an opportunity to begin their journey with little pressure on their shoulders. The front office must strike a balance between competitiveness and marketability. By acquiring two popular names like Martin and Van Lith, Houston would definitely address the latter.
However, the duo's career statistics don't suggest the partnership would help the team climb the regular-season standings. Martin averages just 4.2 points and 0.8 assists per game, while Van Lith averages 4.4 points and 1.8 assists per game. It's not All-Star calibre, but the Valkyries are the perfect example of giving underdogs a chance.
Numbers don't always tell us the full story; the eye test does. Both Martin and Van Lith are desperate to become established WNBA stars. Their drive, determination, and hustle on the court show that. Sometimes, players can change their entire career trajectory by landing at a franchise that believes in their potential. Golden State did this with several underappreciated players, and now look what they have created.
Bringing this duo to Houston doesn't guarantee instantaneous success, but it would create intrigue around the new project. The Comets are entering a new period of their history, so why not have some fun with it?
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