The Storm's Future Is Right Now: Three Rookies Ready to Run the WNBA

A Category 4 Storm is heading toward the Pacific Northwest, and the rest of the WNBA better get ready. During the 2026 offseason, Seattle made a bold statement: they're not chasing a championship this year. Instead, the Storm fully committed to building around their future, and that future looks absolutely electric.

Rather than re-signing veterans and limping through another competitive season, Seattle pivoted hard toward a Dominique Malonga timeline. The No. 2 pick from the 2025 WNBA Draft proved in her rookie season that she has superstar upside, and the organization is betting everything on her development. Then in the 2026 draft, the Storm added two more prospects with similarly bright outlooks: Awa Fam at No. 3 overall and Flau'jae Johnson at No. 8 overall. That's three potential franchise cornerstones, and Seattle is building the roster to let them grow without limiting their ceiling.

The Supporting Cast Is Better Than You'd Think

Under first-year head coach Sonia Raman, this isn't some bare-bones rebuilding squad. Ezi Magbegor is back after an injury and ready to provide All-Defense caliber impact. New addition Stef Dolson brings championship-winning experience and can space the floor as a stretch big. Natisha Hiedeman offers both on- and off-ball backcourt experience with elite vibes to match.

Then there are the hidden gems. Zia Cooke scored in bunches during preseason, suggesting she could emerge as a high-volume 3-point shooter. Jordan Horston is back in action after missing all of last season with an injury and has debuted a refined stroke. Mackenzie Holmes appears prepared to contribute with improved fitness and an expanded shot. This roster is built to develop the young core without crushing them under pressure.

Three Players Ready to Prove They're the Real Deal

Malonga headlines Year 2 expectations. League GMs voted her as the player most likely to have a breakout season. Some even called her the best international player in the league already. She's 6-foot-6, can swat a shot, throw down a dunk, or swish a 3. The issue as a rookie? She didn't quite develop the disposition to dominate on every play. Fitness and physicality were factors. Now, with a year of experience and better strength and conditioning, she should be ready to get threatening real quick.

Fam projects precocious confidence. While Malonga arrived with a happy-to-be-here vibe, Fam knows she belongs and is determined to prove it. At the Women's World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico in March, she faced Team USA without flinching. In 19 minutes, she scored 10 points on 5-for-7 shooting while grabbing five boards and earning a pair of steals. Still competing for Valencia Basket in Spain, she'll have a delayed start to her rookie season. That self-assurance should serve her well regardless.

The Storm aren't prioritizing a postseason push this year. Success comes down to what Malonga, Fam, and Johnson show. And there's real reason to be confident all three are the real deal. Maybe sooner than later, they'll be running the WNBA.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.