The Seattle Storm’s ambitious offseason, which saw the acquisition of star players Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, has not translated into immediate on-court success. The team has stumbled to a 1-3 start, and Diggins-Smith, in particular, has struggled to find her form after a long layoff from competitive play.
Diggins-Smith’s Struggles
Skylar Diggins-Smith’s return to the court after giving birth to her second child has been marked by inconsistency and inefficiency. In the first four games, she has averaged:
- 14.5 points per game
- 33.3% shooting from the field
- 5.8 assists per game
- Five turnovers per game
Her shooting woes are evident, particularly from beyond the arc where she has hit just 1 of 13 attempts. Additionally, her shot selection has been problematic, with a significant number of her attempts being tough, contested jumpers rather than open looks. Only 22.7% of her field goals have come at the rim, a notable decrease from 31.3% in 2022.
Coach Noelle Quinn’s Defense
Storm head coach Noelle Quinn has called for patience and understanding as Diggins-Smith works to regain her form. Quinn highlighted the physical and mental challenges Diggins-Smith has faced, noting that her return to professional basketball comes after a 20-month hiatus due to maternity leave.
“There needs to be respect about the fact that she had two children and hasn’t played in 20 months,” Quinn stated. “She’s not going to come overnight and be who she was 20 months ago, and we have to respect that and honor that.”
Quinn emphasized the hard work Diggins-Smith puts in daily, which is not always visible to fans and critics. She underscored the need for “grace” and respect for Diggins-Smith’s journey back to her peak performance.
Impact on the Team
The Storm’s early struggles are not solely on Diggins-Smith. Her backcourt partner, Jewell Loyd, has also faced criticism for her efficiency, with both players ranking low in true shooting percentage among those with high usage rates. The team’s overall performance has been hindered by these individual struggles, compounded by Ogwumike’s ankle injury.
Moving Forward
While the talent on the Storm roster suggests that they can turn their season around, time is of the essence. The team must find a way to integrate Diggins-Smith’s skills effectively and support her return to top form. For Diggins-Smith, this means continuing to adjust and find easier scoring opportunities, while the team works to create a more cohesive and effective offensive strategy.
The Storm’s coaching staff and organization remain confident in their star player’s abilities and potential, advocating for the patience and support necessary to navigate this challenging period. As Coach Quinn put it, Diggins-Smith has done amazing things for the league and deserves respect and understanding as she works her way back to her best.
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