ESPN's 25 under 25 list always sparks debate, and the latest WNBA rankings are no exception. This year, the decision to rank Seattle Storm rookie Dominique Malonga above Washington Mystics rookies Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen is a clear example of how context gets overlooked. While Malonga has had a strong rookie season, her success is heavily influenced by her role on a veteran-heavy, championship-contending team.
The Luxury of Playing for the Storm
Malonga's impressive rise is a direct result of her favorable situation on the Seattle Storm's stacked roster, which includes All-Stars like Skylar Diggins, Nneka Ogwumike, Gabby Williams, and Brittany Sykes. This talent-rich environment gives her the luxury of developing without being the main focus of opposing defenses.
Playing a specific, low-pressure role primarily off the bench, Malonga's job is clear: be an efficient scorer, a tenacious rebounder, and a strong defender. She doesn’t have to create her own shots or lead the offense. Instead, she capitalizes on the opportunities and open looks created by her high-usage teammates. This strategic placement within the Storm's system allows her to maintain high efficiency as the team makes a playoff push, proving her value without being in the spotlight every night.
The Mystics' Rookies Face Greater Pressure
In stark contrast, Citron and Iriafen were drafted to a Washington Mystics organization in a clear rebuilding phase. From day one, they have been relied on as the team's primary offensive and defensive threats, a responsibility that comes with immense pressure and a constant challenge to perform.
Sonia Citron is expected to shoulder a significant offensive burden while also being tasked with defending the opposing team’s best guards. With defenses centered on stopping her, she faces constant double-teams, which inevitably impacts her shooting percentages and efficiency as she is forced into tougher, more contested shots. Similarly, Kiki Iriafen is expected to be a go-to scorer in the paint and mid-range, often facing defensive attention from the league's best bigs. When you're the main offensive weapon on a weaker team, defenses key in on your every move, making consistent efficiency an uphill battle.
These challenges, however, are making them into more well-rounded and resilient players. They are learning to create their own shots and lead a team where wins are hard to come by. While Malonga's raw statistics may appear more impressive, the true measure of Citron and Iriafen's impact should account for their ability to generate offense with a weaker supporting cast and under stronger defensive scrutiny, a reality that has still led to some very impressive performances, including Iriafen’s 21-point, 15-rebound game in a loss against the Aces.
Measuring Potential vs. Current Output
This brings us to a crucial question these rankings evoke: are we truly measuring potential or simply current statistical output influenced by circumstance? The question isn't about who is performing better right now, but rather who is better positioned for sustained long-term success and growth.
Can Malonga maintain her current level of efficiency if she is eventually asked to be a team's primary scoring option? The future of the Seattle Storm after free agency and potential expansion drafts remains uncertain. While we don't know the answer yet, it will be exciting to see how her talent evolves and translates in a different scenario.
For example, what happens if Seattle loses many of its stars and is forced to rebuild around Malonga and a potential lottery pick (maybe in Azzi Fudd)? The way she handles that kind of pressure will be the true test of her potential.
Meanwhile, by sheer necessity, Citron and Iriafen are developing more well-rounded offensive games. They are learning to handle the ball under pressure, create their own shots, and facilitate for teammates. These are skills forged by being a primary option and could ultimately make them more versatile and valuable players in the long run.