Nobody could have predicted that the Dallas Wings' leap in 2026 would be quite this dramatic, securing the seventh seed ahead of the playoffs. This was meant to be another year of evolution for Paige Bueckers and her teammates; however, Jose Fernandez has created an environment where development and winning can run in parallel. Much like the Wings, the Seattle Storm are building for the future, but they should still take offseason steps to become a more feared outfit.
The Storm boast some of the league's most exciting young talent. Awa Fam, Dominique Malonga, and Flau'jae Johnson have shown signs of being a core with the potential to compete for top honours in the future -- even if they sit at the bottom of the regular-season standings with a woeful 8-36 record.
For now, it may feel like this team is light-years away from ever reaching the playoffs; the record isn't dissimilar from Dallas' 2025 season (10-34). Replicating what the Wings have done won't be easy, but the Storm can steal a few ideas from their blueprint to accelerate the progression of this roster.
Seattle should add experienced quality to their young core
Seattle is in an almost identical position to the one Dallas found themselves in as last season came to a close: at the bottom of the standings, but with a future lottery pick at their disposal. The obvious path for a franchise in this situation would be to draft wisely and continue the rebuild.
The Wings did draft sensibly; they selected Azzi Fudd to add defensive stability and an elite spot-up shooter to their roster -- two attributes that would elevate Paige Bueckers' skill set. However, Dallas additionally acquired the reigning Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Alanna Smith, and the ever-reliable Jessica Shepard. There was clear intent to progress with these signings.
Obviously, players of this quality aren't always available in free agency, so it won't be easy for Seattle to replicate what their rivals have done, but it would be hugely beneficial if they pulled it off. Young stars can only learn so much from losing; Fam, Malonga, and Johnson must play alongside experienced veterans to learn how to win games at the highest level.
Paige Bueckers is a clear example of this. With an improved roster alongside her, she has put herself in the running for a place on the All-WNBA First Team. The 24-year-old has oozed confidence whenever she has stepped on the court in 2026, embracing a leadership role that might have passed her by if she were sentenced to another year of mediocrity.
To make this happen, Seattle must utilise their lottery pick as Dallas did. Fit is more important than picking the most exciting player. Notre Dame's Hannah Hidalgo would bring defensive energy alongside talent to an already enthusiastic roster. Next, the front office must find a free agent who can move the needle without interfering with the young core's development.
Napheesa Collier, Jackie Young, Kelsey Mitchell, and Kelsey Plum are all set to be available when the 2026 season ends. While some of these options will be off the table when free agency lands, they are all bona fide stars who will accelerate Seattle's ambitions but will eat up a large percentage of the team's salary cap.
There is an element of risk in skipping steps in a young core's evolution; nevertheless, the Dallas Wings are reaping the rewards of the decision to do so. If the Seattle Storm truly want to unlock the potential of Awa Fam, Dominique Malonga, and Flau’jae Johnson, they should follow the blueprint their rivals have created.
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