The Seattle Storm might’ve had a brutal 8-36 record this WNBA season, the worst in the league, but hold up Emerald City, because we just got some major good news that changes everything for our future. Our very own guard, Flau’jae Johnson, just landed a spot on the 2026 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Seriously, in a season that was a full-on rebuild, Johnson proved she’s a cornerstone for what’s coming next.
Johnson Shines Through a Tough Storm Season
Yeah, the final record for the Storm stings, no doubt. But Flau’jae Johnson, alongside fellow rookie Awa Fam, gave us real reasons to get hyped about this organization’s future. Johnson wasn’t just on the court, she was making moves. Averaging 14.9 points and 2.9 assists, she consistently showed flashes of what she can become. We saw her rack up three double-doubles, and who can forget that insane season-high 29 points she dropped in that September loss against the Las Vegas Aces? She’s pure electricity, and you could feel the excitement building around her even when the scoreboard wasn’t going our way. This rebuild officially has a face, and it’s hers.
The Future is Bright, and Miles Casts a Huge Shadow
While Johnson holds it down for Seattle, the rest of the 2026 All-Rookie team is absolutely stacked with talent. Leading the charge, without question, is Olivia Miles from the Minnesota Lynx. That player had a rookie season for the record books, man, straight up flying past Caitlin Clark’s mark for the most points by a first-year player. Miles, a 5’10” playmaker, averaged a ridiculous 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 1.3 steals, all while shooting 49.2 percent overall and 38.8 percent from deep. The Lynx barely missed a beat with Napheesa Collier out injured, and Miles’ leadership and poise were a massive reason why. Rookies just don’t impact winning like that usually.
Then there’s Azzi Fudd, the No. 1 overall pick for the Dallas Wings. She’s gonna be linked to Miles’ career forever, especially since Miles went second overall. Fudd put up 13.1 points and shot 39.7 percent from beyond the arc, showing that shooting prowess everyone talked about. It’s a bummer her season got cut short by knee surgery, which was a concern about her long-term outlook, but when she was healthy, you could see the talent. Rounding out the All-Rookie squad are Chicago Sky guard Sydney Taylor, New York Liberty guard Pauline Astier, and Toronto Tempo guard Kiki Rice.
Taylor’s Journey Proves Anything Is Possible
And let’s give a shoutout to Sydney Taylor from the Chicago Sky. Her story is a testament to perseverance. This 25-year-old took a different path, playing two years overseas before even getting a training camp contract with Chicago. Not only did she make the opening-night roster, but when Skylar Diggins and Rickea Jackson went down injured, Taylor stepped up huge, taking on a bigger scoring burden than anyone expected. She averaged 13.6 points in 37 games, a true success story for college standouts who fight their way into the WNBA.
So, yeah, Miles is definitely going to cast a big shadow over this class, but for us in the Emerald City, Flau’jae Johnson is the real deal. She’s the undeniable proof that this Storm rebuild isn’t just talk, it’s already got a star at its heart. We’ve got something truly special to look forward to next season. Get ready, Seattle, because Flau’jae is just getting started!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
Leave a Reply