Katie Lou

Samuelson

Williams was among the best players at last summer’s Olympics in Paris, nearly leading France to an upset of the United States in the gold medal game. Malonga played limited minutes as a reserve but is considered France’s next elite basketball talent. Unfortunately for France, both have elected to focus their efforts this summer on the WNBA, foregoing representing their nation at EuroBasket. Due to salary cap rules and the ACL tear suffered by Katie Lou Samuelson, the Storm will likely begin this season with 10 active players. Williams and Malonga’s decision not to join their national team, with France opening its pre-tournament camp on Sunday, significantly boosts the Storm’s chances of contending.

Samuelson, who agreed to a deal with the Storm in February, suffered a torn ACL in her right knee during Thursday’s practice. After sitting out the 2023 season on maternity leave, Samuelson appeared in 37 games for the Fever last season, averaging 4.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 18.2 minutes. Samuelson played in 27 games for the Storm during the 2021 campaign.