Seattle adds six-time all-WNBA pick and six-time all-star point guard
SEATTLE — The Seattle Storm today announced the signing of free agent point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith, a nine-year WNBA vet, six-time all-WNBA selection and six-time All-Star. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“I am beyond excited for the opportunity to coach Skylar, one of the best point guards in the history of our game,” said Storm Head Coach Noelle Quinn. “Skylar is an ultimate competitor, elite playmaker, and excellent defender. Adding Skylar to our dynamic backcourt will immediately elevate our roster as we continue this next chapter of Storm basketball.”
Diggins-Smith, who is set to begin her 10th WNBA season, has proven herself one of the best point guards in the league, posting career averages of 16.7 points, 4.9 assists, 2.9 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. She is one of just 10 players in WNBA history to score at least 4,200 points and record at least 1,250 assists, doing so in just 251 games—45 fewer than the next closest player. In each of her last five seasons played and six times in her career, Diggins-Smith has finished in the top 10 in both scoring and assists. She is one of just three players in WNBA history to rank in the top 10 in both categories at least six times.
“Joining the Seattle Storm is the ideal next step in my basketball journey. The organization’s dedication to its players and the progression of the league is commendable,” said Diggins-Smith. “I’m laser-focused for the upcoming season. Stepping onto the court alongside Jewell, benefiting from the leadership of Noelle Quinn and feeling the energy of the Seattle Storm fans is a combination that I am confident will lead to success.”
Diggins-Smith was the third overall pick in the 2013 WNBA Draft by the Tulsa Shock, playing six seasons with the franchise which moved to Dallas in 2016. In 2020, she was traded to the Phoenix Mercury where she played three seasons including posting career-best numbers in 2022. That season, Diggins-Smith averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game in 32 games, leading the league in minutes played (34.0 mpg), and ranking third in scoring, seventh in assists, eighth in steals, eighth in efficiency (19.1), and 10th in blocks en route to earning All-WNBA honors for the fifth-straight season. She did not play during the 2023 season after giving birth to her second child.
“The opportunity to add Skylar to our team is a moment that can’t be overstated,” said Storm General Manager Talisa Rhea. “Skylar’s impressive resume is one for the record books, but what meets the moment for the Storm is her leadership, competitiveness, and desire to be a part of this new era of Storm basketball. Welcome to Seattle, Skylar!”
Diggins-Smith reunites with former Notre Dame teammate Jewell Loyd, where she played her senior season with the freshman Loyd in 2012-13. The duo posted a 35-2 record including a perfect 16-0 mark in Big East play and reaching the NCAA Semifinals. At Notre Dame, Diggins-Smith was a two-time Nancy Lieberman Award winner as the nation’s top collegiate point guard, and finished as the holder or co-holder of 32 school records including being the only Irish player (male or female) with at least 2,000 points, 500 rebounds, 500 assists, and 300 steals in a career. She also joined Loyd as two of the three players to score their 1,000th point during their sophomore season.
Diggins-Smith has earned five gold medals while representing USA Basketball, most recently while making her Olympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Season tickets, Storm Mini Plans, and Group Experiences are available for the 2024 season while single game tickets will go on sale in the spring. For more info, visit http://stormbasketball.com, or call 206-217-WNBA (9622).