Despite a decent season on paper and finishing with a solid 25-15 record, the Seattle Storm’s 2024 season ended on a controversial note. Not for their performance, but seemingly because of their coaching staff. However, it seems that both veterans and current players have some strong opinions about what’s been happening behind the scenes.

Tina Thompson, who played in Seattle for 1 year, posted a bold message on Instagram, writing, “Using your assumed to harm others is always an attack on yourself. You never win! Your wrong will never be made right. Accept failure and move on. Stop being hella lame! It’s super whack!” The caption of her post read, “Sit with that! Example: Shooting 36% from the field and 27% from the 3pt is not the coaches fault! It’s simple…be more efficient! Basketball analogies are always the best analogies!“

Skylar Diggins-Smith didn’t miss a beat, responding with a simple but powerful comment: “A word 🤌🏽”. This comes after it was reported that the franchise is investigating coaching staff for player mistreatment.

The investigation, sparked by multiple players’ experiences, is looking into allegations of harassment and bullying related to on-court performance. The team has hired a law firm to look into these accusations, and it’s been going on for at least two weeks now. 

“A law firm hired by the team is looking into accusations of alleged harassment and bullying tied to on-court performance against the coaching staff during the 2024 season,” Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times reported. According to her, the incidents happened at practice and during games.

The focus of this is head coach Noelle Quinn, who has been leading the Storm since 2021. Although she is known for her strategic mind, these allegations, if true, could tarnish her reputation. For now, though, the investigation remains behind closed doors, and no concrete evidence has been shared with the public. But it’s no secret that Quinn’s leadership has previously been praised by players and analysts alike. 

Seattle Storm players have been all praise for coach Quinn

While allegations swirl, Quinn’s track record and player relationships tell a different story. Take WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, for instance, who signed with Seattle in the offseason and had nothing but praise for Quinn. 

She described her as a coach who balances grace and toughness, saying, “I don’t think I’ve ever had a coach who communicates as much and as effectively as she does.” Skylar Diggins-Smith, who’s still vocal about her support, has also lauded Quinn’s approach, calling her a “basketball savant.”

“She’s incredibly intelligent. … I love being coached by her,” Diggins-Smith said in an earlier interview. And then there’s Dan Hughes, a former Storm head coach, who’s worked closely with Quinn. He once described her as “one of the most creative assistants” he’s ever had.

To date, under her leadership, the Storm have made three playoff appearances in four years. So, on paper, Quinn’s leadership and the respect she commands from her players make the allegations even more perplexing. But we never know. Can the investigation reveal new details, shaking the team’s foundation?