Five Big Questions for a Storm Team Starting Fresh Under Raman

Sonia Raman is about to walk into her first training camp as the seventh head coach in Seattle Storm history, and she's already dealing with a curveball right out of the gate. The Storm's top draft pick and No. 3 overall selection, Awa Fam, won't be there when camp opens Sunday. That's not exactly the smoothest way to kick off a new era, but it's the hand Raman has been dealt.

What's the Deal With the Top Pick Missing?

Having your franchise's highest selection unavailable before training camp even starts is a weird spot to be in. Awa Fam was supposed to be a centerpiece of this rebuild, and now the Storm have to figure out how to move forward without her on the floor when they're trying to get everyone on the same page. It raises questions about chemistry, roster construction, and what the front office has planned moving forward.

Can Raman Build Something Real in Year One?

This isn't just a new coach, it's a new voice and a new system. Seven different coaches have led this franchise, which means the Storm have been through plenty of changes. Raman has to establish her identity fast, get her playbook installed, and get this team moving in one direction. That's a heavy lift in any first season, especially with roster questions already hanging over camp.

What Does the Rebuild Actually Look Like?

The Storm clearly have some work to do. Missing your top draft pick before camp even starts tells you this is a team in transition. How Raman approaches the next few weeks, how she manages expectations, and how she gets the roster she does have to buy in will define whether this rebuild has any real momentum or if it's going to be a long year in Seattle.

Training camp starts Sunday. Time to find out what this Storm team is really made of.

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