Devin Booker and A'ja Wilson give shoutout to Jewell Loyd after Seattle Storm guard becomes latest cover star for SLAM magazine

By John Ezekiel Hirro

Modified Sep 19, 2024 03:20 GMT

Basketball stars showed their love for Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd after she was featured on the cover of SLAM Magazine. A'ja Wilson and Devin Booker were among those who gave her a shoutout on Instagram.

The magazine's latest issue, previewing the 2024-25 NBA season, highlights Loyd with the tagline "Gold Blooded," referencing her "Gold Mamba" nickname. She appeared on the cover wearing a Storm jersey and the Nike Book 1 "Rattlesnake" sneakers.

Booker responded on Instagram with fire emojis to celebrate Loyd, while A'ja Wilson reposted the cover image.

Devin Booker and A'ja Wilson shout out Jewell Loyd after Seattle Storm guard becomes latest cover star for SLAM magazine

Wilson recently set a new WNBA single-season scoring record with 1,021 points, surpassing the previous record of 939 points, which was held by Loyd.

Jewell Loyd and the Seattle Storm enter the playoffs as the fifth seed, boasting a 24-15 record with one game remaining.

Loyd has been a key player for the Storm, averaging a team-high 19.7 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. A former Rookie of the Year, she earned her fifth All-Star nod this season.

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Jewell Loyd shares how Chicago Sky guided her towards WNBA

Although Jewell Loyd has spent her entire career with the Seattle Storm, it was the Chicago Sky that helped her realize her potential for the WNBA.

During high school at Niles West in Skokie, Loyd averaged 24.8 points, 11.9 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 3.2 steals, and 2.2 blocks per game.

Her impressive stats led to an opportunity to practice with the Chicago Sky. In an interview with SLAM, Loyd said this experience gave her a clear sense of her potential and allowed her to witness firsthand what it takes to excel at the professional level.

“Seeing their routines and their lifestyle and the games up close opened my eyes to really be like, Wow, I think I could really do this,” she said.

Though she's now a WNBA star, earning the nickname "Gold Mamba" from the late Kobe Bryant, Loyd emphasized that her true legacy lies in being a good person.

“I just want my legacy to be that I’m a really good person, honestly,” she said.

“I’m here to serve. That’s what I want people to understand about me. As much as I receive from the world, I’m going to give that back. And you don’t have to take it, but I’m here to let you guys know it’s all love here,” she added.