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Why did Gabby Williams choose Seattle Storm? Exploring reason behind French star's decision
Gabby Williams returned to the Seattle Storm on a rest-of-season contract earlier this week after playing only 10 games in 2023. Following her impressive run in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Williams caught the attention of different teams, with the Storm ultimately bringing her back for the final stretch of the regular season and the playoffs.
Given Williams' public criticism about the WNBA's prioritization rule, it was a surprise to see her back in the league so soon after the Olympic basketball tournament. The reason behind her return can be credited to the connection she feels with the Storm, the team that gave her a new chance after the tumultuous stint with the Chicago Sky.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Storm for the rest of the season,” said Williams in a Storm statement. “I feel more than ready to finally return to Seattle. I’ve missed the organization, my teammates and the fans so much. I absolutely can’t wait to come back and finish the season strong.”
Williams didn't rejoin the team before as she wanted to focus on getting ready for the 2024 Olympics. She prioritized France and sat out the first part of the 2024 WNBA season, which ultimately paid off.
The forward averaged 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists and 2.8 steals per game in six games. Her gold medal game performance was the cherry on top, as she led her national team with 19 points in a thriller against Team USA.
Another factor to keep in mind is that the Storm had an open roster after Kiana Williams' seven-day contract expired, opening the door for Gabby.
When will Gabby Williams debut with the Seattle Storm?
Despite her good run in the Olympics and the return of the WNBA last week, Gabby Williams will have to wait until next week to make her season debut with the Storm.
She's expected to be available on August 26 when the Storm host the Washington Mystics at Climate Pledge Arena. The tip-off for that game is set for 10:00 p.m. ET.
The last time Gabby Williams suited up for the Storm, she averaged 8.4 points, 3.8 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 steals. For her career, she averages 7.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.3 spg.
The Storm are trying to clinch a top-four playoff spot for the postseason, and Williams' addition could help them put pressure on the New York Liberty (24-4), Connecticut Sun (20-7) and Minnesota Lynx (20-8).
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