The film isn’t over yet. At least not for Gabby Williams. Just weeks ago, the French star gave Team USA a run for their money as she kept at their tails in the Paris Olympics Finals. Even till the end, she pushed herself with the buzzer beater. Alas, it came short by mere inches. She left the Bercy Arena with a silver medal. However, she has returned to the WNBA to probably avenge the loss and also improve her resume in one of the best professional basketball leagues in the world. But how does that affect the Seattle Storm?
Certainly, the Storm squad and Noelle Quinn would be more than happy to add a star who broke a sweat on a dominant team like the USA. However, their front office just might not be feeling that way if their gamble turns into an epic failure. According to Richard Cohen of the Her Hoop Stats, “Can confirm via source that Gabby Williams signed for the $23,491 that was the pro-rated vet minimum on Tuesday when she signed. So Seattle have $704 in cap space left – technically enough to add a 12th player on the final day of the regular season. #WNBA.”
Can confirm via source that Gabby Williams signed for the $23,491 that was the pro-rated vet minimum on Tuesday when she signed. So Seattle have $704 in cap space left – technically enough to add a 12th player on the final day of the regular season. #WNBA https://t.co/WPzUtguB5V
— Richard Cohen (@RichardCohen1) August 22, 2024
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While there may not be hope for Seattle to add another player at just $704, it is interesting to note how the pro-rated vet minimum dropped for a day. The very same day that Gabby Williams returned to her former WNBA team.
As previously noted by Cohen, this value was $24,249 on Monday. Then, the Storm only had $24,195 in cap space. But then the numbers bumped down, and the squad has a new face on their roster. But this bet just might be good for the team.
How can Gabby Williams help the Seattle Storm?
In the last game of their season series with the Indiana Fever, it was quite evident that the Storm were in dire need of a defensive powerhouse. Interestingly, Gabby Williams became the Defensive Player of the Olympics just a few weeks back despite not winning the gold. Another challenge for the playoff contenders is their depth.
What’s your perspective on:
Did the Seattle Storm just throw away their season with this $23,491 gamble on Gabby Williams?
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Storm rank ninth in the league with just 15 points off the bench. But now, Quinn just might bring Williams to the starters while pushing Jordan Horston back to the reserves. Even if the French star did come off the bench, the Storm will surely have something to add from there.
Moreover, her offensive skills are also noteworthy. Currently, Seattle is one of the lowest-ranking teams when it comes to three-point shooting. Specifically, only Jewell Loyd (25.6%), Sami Whitcomb (30.8%), and Nneka Ogwumike (43.1%) try their shots from beyond the arc for the 2022 semifinalists. Hence, adding Gabby Williams, who did show us all her talents from the deep, would definitely be a quick turnaround for the Storm.
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Gabby Williams has reached Seattle tonight and will begin playing for the team from August 25 as the team ends its 4-game road trip. Evidently, their last game against the Washington Mystics got a little close. It will be Williams’ first test to give the hosts a boost as they welcome the capital’s team to the Climate Pledge Arena.
Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
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Did the Seattle Storm just throw away their season with this $23,491 gamble on Gabby Williams?