The Seattle Storm might be sitting at the bottom of the WNBA standings, but they are falling with style. A poor league position is far from a disappointment as the organization continues to create a talented young core. Another lottery pick in the upcoming draft will allow the Storm to select from a class filled with devastating backcourt stars.
Awa Fam, Dominique Malonga, and Flau'jae Johnson are spearheading a franchise enduring a tough transitional period. However, unlike the Connecticut Sun and the Chicago Sky, Seattle's project is proving to be clear, concise, and consistent as they build towards the future. Each decision the front office makes results in another future gem joining the roster.
Both are still only 20 years old, but Awa Fam and Dominique Malonga are already showcasing their future All-WNBA talent. Two generational bigs on one roster is a rarity in the WNBA, and creating an environment for both to maximise their potential on both sides of the ball will be a difficult task.
To do so, the Storm must construct a roster that serves the needs of both young stars, which is why drafting a gifted guard with a determined mentality will be an essential step in the organisation's project.
2027 will be pivotal in Seattle's future
Selecting a team's next star is easier than it sounds. If life were a video game, then you would pick the player with the best attributes, and the rest would solve itself. Talent is just one aspect of this decision. As we have witnessed with the Dallas Wings and their selection of Azzi Fudd, fit matters. Fortunately for Seattle, there is an abundance of guards who boast star power and versatility in the upcoming draft.
The Storm's next rookie must be capable of contributing on both sides of the ball, while having the intelligence to stretch the floor and create space for her European teammates. With an upcoming lottery selection in 2027, Seattle should have no problem uncovering the next piece of their tactical jigsaw.
Assuming that she will declare for the 2027 draft, JuJu Watkins would be a no-brainer for the Storm. Not only would Watkins aid Fam and Malonga on their way to greatness, but she would completely take over the show. The USC superstar has averaged 25.5 points, 7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game throughout her career.
While Watkins is undoubtedly the leading pick in this draft class, she isn't the only guard who holds the key to unlocking Seattle's future success. Hannah Hidalgo could arguably be a better fit for this specific roster -- if the goal is to maximise the potential of Awa Fam and Malonga.
Hidalgo has proven during her time at Notre Dame that she is a fiery competitor who can contribute in every category that her teammates and coaches require. Last season, the Fighting Irish star averaged 25.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 5.6 steals per game.
Watkins and Hidalgo are just two of the leading names in this class; other players such as MiLaysia Fulwiley, S'Mya Nichols, and Mikaylah Williams could all be a positive addition to Seattle's roster. Even at a push, Madison Booker could be moulded into a guard if the Storm decide to take that step.
The Seattle Storm are now primed to be championship contenders in the coming years, and the upcoming WNBA draft class should only stir more excitement around the franchise.
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