As the WNBA continues its season after a thrilling Olympics, every team hopes to improve before the playoffs. The Seattle Storm owns the third-best record thanks to the development of their 2023 first-round pick, Jordan Horston. After coming off the bench for most of the year, Horston’s step forward has earned her a starting spot. With the playoffs approaching, the Storm hope Horston’s new role and continued improvement can take them to the next level.

When Seattle drafted her last season with the ninth overall pick, Horston proved every game why they selected the steal of the draft. During the season, she injured her shoulder which later required surgery. However, playing the majority of the year with the injury earned her a spot on the All-Rookie team. Seattle added pieces in the offseason to build a championship contender, so it’s no surprise that they’ve improved from last season. As the lineups shifted during the season, Horston made her impact every game in multiple ways that won’t appear in the stats sheet. Adapting to every role given in her young career, she eventually became a starter in her second season. Since becoming a starter, she has only made the Storm better. They have an 8-2 record with her in the lineup, with a +15.1 Net Rating. This means with her as a starter, they are outscoring their opponents by 15.1 points per 100 possessions. Seattle is better for having Horston as a starter, a result of the respect her teammates show her. When asked what impressed her teammate and accountability partner Nneka Ogwumike (NEH-kuh OH-gwoo-muh-kay) about Horston, she mentioned her defense-first mentality and basketball acumen. “(Horston) does a great job of knowing the scouting report and focusing on different players. She has a defense-first mind and she can be one of the best two-way players in this league.” The Storm has greatly benefited from Horston’s development in her second season, and the future of the team is bright. However, with their goal of a championship in sight, Horston’s continued improvement will help them march closer to their objective.

As Seattle fights to prove they can contend with anyone, there is more opportunity for Horston to further develop her game. Her biggest flaw as a player is a common one amongst younger ones adjusting to the league. Horston’s confidence has shown progress, but she believes it can get better, along with her consistency. “I know in the first half of the season there were times when I would fall back into my old habits and not be able to bounce back from a mistake. I’m always looking for areas to improve on but I need to stay confident in who I am.” Through one and a half seasons, she has shown tremendous potential that can blossom with the help of her teammates. Ogwumike has been a great mentor to Horston, being a guiding hand to help take her game to the next level. “She has a finesse to her game, but I want her to develop more explosiveness and I think that will take her game to the next level.” Ogwumike also spoke about how the veterans in Seattle can help her improve. “I know with the veterans we have on this team, she is going to continue to get better.” When asked about the veterans she has around her, Horston expressed her gratitude for them, and how they helped her become a better player. “Whenever I have any questions just knowing I have people who have been where I’m trying to get to that can lead me in the right direction is always helpful.” It’s clear Horston has earned the respect of her teammates, and she’s always willing to learn from the stars who came before her.

The Storm have had a lot of success this season, but like Horston, they also have room to improve. Any contending team is filled with star power, with other role players who contribute as well. Sometimes in the right situation or matchup, they become the difference makers. For Seattle, their main difference maker began games from the bench, and the hope is she can become that x-factor when it matters. The WNBA world and teams alike should all remember the name, Jordan Horston, as the second half of the season gets underway.