The Seattle Storm are currently investigating their coaching staff for alleged mistreatment of players, as confirmed by a source familiar with the situation to ESPN on Saturday. According to Costabile, the investigation originates from incidents that occurred during practices and games, and it has been ongoing for at least two weeks, sparked by the experiences of multiple players.
Reports indicate that the Storm have engaged a law firm to examine accusations of harassment and bullying related to player performance within the coaching staff. This season, head coach Noelle Quinn was supported by assistants, including former WNBA player Ebony Hoffman, experienced head coach Pokey Chatman, and Perry Huang, who recently left the organization to join the Los Angeles Lakers’ G League team.
The Seattle Storm, which has secured four WNBA championships—each featuring guard Sue Bird—faced challenges this past season. Bird retired after the 2022 season, and two-time champion Breanna Stewart also departed for New York in free agency. The Storm finished the 2023 season with a record of 11-29, despite Jewell Loyd leading the league in scoring with an average of 24.7 points per game.
Coaching strategies in basketball can vary significantly between different leagues due to factors such as player skill levels, game rules, and the overall competitive environment. In youth and amateur leagues, coaches often emphasize player development over winning. Strategies tend to prioritize skill-building, teamwork, and understanding the fundamentals of the game. In contrast, professional leagues focus on immediate performance and winning, with strategies tailored to maximize the strengths of the roster.
In an effort to improve their performance, Seattle signed veteran free agents Nneka Ogwumike and Skylar Diggins-Smith, resulting in a significant turnaround. Five players averaged double-digit scoring, including Loyd (19.7 points per game), Ogwumike (16.7), and Diggins-Smith (15.1).
However, Quinn expressed disappointment with the team’s effort at various points throughout the season. After being swept by the Las Vegas Aces in the playoffs, she reiterated her concerns during the postgame press conference. This season, the Storm finished with a record of 25-15 but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Quinn has completed her fourth year as Seattle’s head coach, taking over early in the 2021 season following Dan Hughes’ retirement.