The rich got richer on Tuesday after the Seattle Storm announced the signing of forward Gabby Williams for the remainder of the 2024 season.
And while they already are a potent squad that continues to jell into what is currently the fifth place in league standings, Williams may be the missing piece they need to firmly solidify themselves in the title hunt conversation.
How We Got Here
Williams was originally drafted by the Chicago Sky in 2018 and played for three seasons before a stint with the French national team found her not suiting up in the W. This was due to the league’s prioritization rule until traded to Seattle in 2022 by the Los Angeles Sparks. The rule requires players to give greater priority to the WNBA than the overseas leagues.
Safe to say that her short two-year stint with Seattle played a role in her rejoining the Storm this week. She averaged 7.5 points per game (ppg) and 5 rebounds in 36 games played.
Fast forward to this year’s Paris Olympics. Williams quickly became one of the most sought-after free agents coming out of the break. She helped put France on the map after leading the team with 15.5 ppg and 5.8 assists a game. France took home the silver medal after they ultimately fell to Team USA, 67-66.
Afterward, Williams was named Best Defensive Player and was selected to the All-Star Five by the International Basketball Federation.
What Happens Now with the Addition of Gabby Williams
Seattle now adds to a roster that already has the pieces needed to make a deep run. Williams joins the acquisitions of Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith alongside Jewell Loyd and Ezi Magbegor.
The ability she brings to both sides of the floor is something Seattle head coach Noelle Quinnnotedupon regarding the recent signing:
“We’re thrilled to have Gabby back with the Storm. Gabby is a dynamic player who brings tremendous versatility. She’s a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact.”
Williams, a known weapon on defense, adds to an already lethal defensive core of Ogwumike who has been named to multiple All-Defensive Teams, and Magbegor. Magbegor currently sits second in the league with 2.4 blocks per game. The center is sure to find herself in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year by the end of the season.
The return: loading… ⛈️ pic.twitter.com/aMmGkHdssw
— Seattle Storm (@seattlestorm) August 20, 2024
In ’22, Williams finished eighth in steals with 1.5. She also placed in the 11th-place registry in defensive win shares and 13th in defensive rating.
Offensively, Williams shot 44% from the field during her first tour with Seattle. She comes on to a team that currently sits fourth in the league with an offensive average of 83.8 ppg.
Seattle currently trails the Las Vegas Aces who are in fourth place in the standings. The Storm is just a game and a half behind the Minnesota Lynx for third place.
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All stats, quotes, and info were provided by WNBA.com.
