Before I go any further, I want to wish all those who are reading this a very happy New Year. Unquestionably, the Seattle Storm is one of the WNBA’s great franchises. In 2021, they lost in the second round of the playoffs to the Phoenix Mercury. At any rate, 2022 for the Storm will be interesting. With this in mind, here are two resolutions I have for the four-time WNBA champions, the Seattle Storm.
Re-sign Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd
Obviously, this goes without saying that signing Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd should be the team’s number one priority this offseason. However, like those resolutions to go to the gym or read more, it is a reminder. Stewart is a three-time All-Star and the 2018 WNBA MVP.
That year, she was second in points per game (21.8) and third in rebounds per game (8.4) and efficiency (25.7). Seattle won it all that year and she averaged 24.6 points per game in the 2018 playoffs.
In 2021, she missed the Storm’s playoff game versus Phoenix and the last two games of the regular season due to a left foot/leg injury. Stewart underwent minor surgery on her left Achilles and should be ready to go in 2022, per the Storm. She also made the All-WNBA First Team for the fourth time in five years
On the other hand, Loyd is one of the best backcourt players in the league. Like Stewart, Loyd is a three-time All-Star who was second to Stewart on the team in point per game with 17.9. She was second on the team with 3.8 points per game and led in steals per game.
She also made the All-WNBA First Team in 2021. This is her second time on an All-WNBA team and the first as a member of the First Team.
Undoubtedly, she is a cornerstone for the Storm, and keeping her in the Pacific Northwest is vital moving forward. In truth, Loyd is from Lincolnwood, Illinois, which is 17 minutes from Chicago and a return back home is a possibility. It is up to general manager Talisa Rhea to veer her away from the Windy City.
Sue Bird for One More Year
All things considered, Sue Bird is the GOAT and the franchise’s greatest player. Bird has been a part of all four of Seattle’s championships. In her 17-year career, she is the WNBA’s all-time leader in assists (3,048). Bird is also fourth in steals (687) and seventh in points (6,561). I could go on and on about her illustrious basketball career but Bird for one more year makes sense.
This year, she averaged 10 points per game and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 41.9 percent from the three-point range. Bird was fourth in the WNBA with her three-point percentage. Also, it feels that she might want to go out on top with a fifth title. By all means, a career like Bird’s deserves that ending with the confetti raining from the arena one more time.
Do you have any resolutions for the Seattle Storm? Share them with Beyond Women’s Sports on Twitter. LaDarius is also on Twitter, follow him at @Ladarius_Brown.
