"Don't have any expectations": Nika Muhl gives insight into rough rookie year stacked with DNPs

Nika Muhl entered the 2024 WNBA draft with high expectations following a notable tenure with UConn. The Croatian player was the 14th overall pick by the Seattle Storm, but her career is off to a complex start.

In the first episode of WNBA's docu-series 'Year 1,' Muhl spoke about her rough start to the season, admitting that she's learning that the journey won't be easy.

"I mean, I have one word for you," Muhl said. "It's like, it's a championship culture. You know, they won championships here. There's players on this team, coaches on this team, that have been a part of championship teams. ...

"And I know, because I've been a part of a championship program at UConn, the goal is always the same for me, and I love the feeling of sharing, you know, every single player and every single person in this program having this season. I don't have any expectations for myself. I believe in the present and right now.

"... 'I'm now starting to understand that I need to have more assets in order for me to be more dangerous," Muhl added.

Fans have urged Storm coach to give Nika Muhl more minutes

Nika Muhl's start to the season wasn't easy, as she missed a couple of games due to a visa issue. Muhl can now suit up with the rest of the team, but she hasn't been given many opportunities to showcase her talents.

After the team's official X account shared a video of Muhl hitting a half-court shot before a game against the Dallas Wings at Climate Pledge Arena, fans sent a message to the coaching staff, asking to give more playing time to Muhl.

She has played 10 games this season, barely averaging 2.6 minutes per game. Muhl is yet to score her first points in the competition.

Nika Muhl has received support from fellow basketball players, including Angel Reese, who praised her outfit selection and OKC Thunder young star Jalen Williams, who called Muhl the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year despite her lack of minutes.

The Storm is a well-oiled machine and they are a strong candidate to win the championship this season. Muhl still has a long way to go, but she's patiently waiting for her turn.