Gabby Williams’ 2024 Olympic breakout performance foreshadowed what we are seeing now out of the Seattle Storm star.
She shined on both sides of the ball during the tournament and was named the best defensive player of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In the final, Williams demonstrated her best KD impression at the end of the game. Down by three and looking to tie the game, she hoisted a shot at the buzzer. Bank, swish. Instantly, her jubilation turned into disappointment, realizing her left foot was on the three-point line.
Showing Her Worth
Despite falling short of the gold medal, Williams’ production of 15.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game proved she belonged in the W. The free agent would sign with the Seattle Storm for the remainder of the 2024 season.
“We’re thrilled to have Gabby back with the Storm,” said head coach Noelle Quinn. “Gabby is a dynamic player who brings tremendous versatility. She’s a two-way player that can guard multiple positions and has a strong offensive game; given her familiarity with our system, we know she can have an immediate impact”.
Impressive in the W
In 12 games played, Williams would go on to average 10.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.7 steals per game. Her play was so significant that forward Nneka Ogwumike created the nickname “French Army Knife” for Williams.
The Storm would be swept in the first round of the playoffs by the Las Vegas Aces, but would develop some needed camaraderie going into the 2024 offseason.
Williams Had a Decision to Make
While the 2024 season showed promise for the Seattle Storm, the 2024 offseason was full of negative noise. Jewell Loyd would request a trade and be dealt to the Las Vegas Aces, after a rift between her and a coach on the team.
The Storm would also be hit with key injuries to Jordan Horston and Katie Lou Samuelson, both of whom tore their ACLs. This would leave Williams undecided about whether to stay with the team or pursue the EuroBasket route.
Emphasizing the importance of being a good teammate, Williams decided to stay with the Storm for the entire season, instead of fulfilling her national team duties, as she had in previous years.
It was especially difficult when Jordan [Horston] went down with the ACL,” Williams said. “But then after [Katie Lou Samuelson] went down with the ACL, leaving us with 10 players, I couldn’t do that to my teammates”.
Becoming a Leader
During this past offseason, she highlighted the importance of taking on a leadership role in the 2025 season and it’s being displayed on a nightly basis. She’s getting a ton of buzz around the league in consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, Most Improved Player, and an All-Star nod.
Her 2.6 steals per game lead the entire WNBA, and she is the only player to average two or more steals per contest. Williams has become a capable creator, averaging 4.6 assists while putting up 13.4 points a night. Her most recent surge couldn’t come at a better time a few weeks before the All-Star festivities in Indianapolis.
What a Week!
Williams could not be stopped during the week of June 15. On June 16, she recorded eight steals. Yes EIGHT.
On June 19, she grabbed 12 rebounds, and on June 21, she controlled the game with ten assists— all career highs for the seventh-year forward. There’s no doubt she has uplifted this squad to 10 wins in 17 games.
https://twitter.com/seattlestorm/status/1936966759812411407
Williams has become the leader of this team in a variety of ways. She has now become more than just a connector on this Seattle Storm team— she’s become the heart and soul, and this team goes as Gabby goes.
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