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Gabby Williams is making her return to the WNBA after playing a pivotal role in France’s silver-medal finish at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The No. 4 overall pick in the 2018 WNBA draft signed with the Seattle Storm for the rest of the season, enhancing their frontcourt depth.
Seattle announced Williams' addition on Tuesday, who was named the best defensive player and selected to the All-Star Five at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Williams will join a frontcourt rotation that includes Ezi Magbegor, Joyner Holmes and Mercedes Russell.
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Currently sitting fifth in the WNBA standings and third in the Western Conference with an 18-10 record, the Storm are looking to improve their playoff positioning, trailing defending champions Las Vegas Aces (17-19) for fourth place.
“Gabby’s Olympic performance showcased her world-class talent, and we’re excited to have her join us as we push for the playoffs,” Storm coach Noelle Quinn said.
“Gabby is a versatile and dynamic player who can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game. Her familiarity with our system means she can make an immediate impact," she added.
Seattle Storm updated depth chart after Gabby Williams' addition
Seattle Storm signing marks Gabby Williams' return to WNBA
Gabby Williams was drafted by the Chicago Sky out of UConn in 2018, before being traded to the LA Sparks in 2021. She then joined the Seattle Storm in 2022.
In her last full WNBA season in 2022, she averaged 7.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game. She shot a career-best 44.4% from the field while starting all 36 games, earning a spot on the WNBA All-Defensive Second Team.
She re-signed with the Storm halfway through the 2023 season, averaging a career-high 8.4 ppg in 10 appearances. However, she moved to a full-time overseas career soon after.
“I’m so excited to be rejoining the Storm for the remainder of the season,” Williams said. “I feel ready to 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 delivered a strong performance in the gold medal game between the USA and France at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She nearly forced overtime with a buzzer-beating heave, though she was just inside the 3-point line.
In the game, she recorded 19 points, seven rebounds, three steals and two assists.
Williams brings added height to the Storm, who currently have only two players averaging over five rebounds per game: Nneka Ogwumike (7.7 rpg) and Ezi Magbegor (8.6 rpg).
With Jewell Loyd, Ogwumike, Skylar Diggins-Smith and Magbegor leading the scoring, the Storm's depth is solid. It will be intriguing to see how Williams fits into this dynamic mix.
