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| Sunday, May 16 Updated: May 17, 1:33 PM ET Inside the Seattle Storm |
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ANALYSIS BY NANCY LIEBERMAN  The WNBA MVP and one of the league's best point guards weren't enough to lead the Storm to the postseason last summer. And in large part that's because Seattle never had the all-important 3 spot solved after Adia Barnes' ACL injury 16 games into the 2003 campaign.
Barnes has seen limited time in the preseason, but she's not quite ready yet to step back into the starting lineup, and that's why Seattle's pre-draft trade with Minnesota was so important. The Storm gave up their sixth overall draft pick to acquire former All-Star Sheri Sam and Janell Burse. Sam, who averaged 11 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.6 assists for the Lynx last season, is a steady veteran who will immediately step into the Storm's starting lineup at the 3. Burse will provide some depth in the post, another weakness that was exposed late last season when the often overlooked but ever-so-valuable Kamila Vodichkova suffered a sprained foot with two weeks to play in the regular season. In her absence, Seattle lost five straight, then missed a playoff berth on a tiebreaker with Minnesota. Betty Lennox, who was added via the dispersal draft, figures to be another new face -- and former All-Star -- in Seattle's starting lineup and should help take some of the burden off of All-Star point guard Sue Bird (her 6.5 assists average ranked second in league) in the backcourt. The lightning-quick Lennox can be lethal on the fast break and should enable Seattle to score more often in transition, which coach Anne Donovan has said is one of her goals for this season. Lennox also is a smart, solid defender who replaces Sandy Brondello (she's opted to remain in Australia to prepare for the Olympics). Offsetting that huge loss is a tall order; Brondello provided the Storm a lot of veteran leadership last season and was very comfortable with Donovan's system. And that's another reason chemistry is really the key to Seattle's season. With three new faces among the Storm's seven core players, there is a need for a lot of adjustment. So far, Sam and Lennox have struggled somewhat in the preseason and haven't yet found their comfort level. Lennox averaged 3.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists while shooting just 20 percent (4-for-20) in three starts. Sam, who also started all three preseason games, averaged 6.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 2.0 steals and shot 32 percent (8-for-25). Bird also has struggled from the field, shooting 32.3 percent (10-for-31) to average 7.7 points (and 4.0 assists). Seattle fans will be disappointed to hear that despite offseason surgery, Bird appears to continue to be hampered by knee pain. That raises a red flag because the Storm's success still hinges mainly on the level of play from Bird and reigning league MVP Lauren Jackson. Jackson topped the league in scoring (21.2 points), ranked fourth in rebounding (9.3), sixth in field-goal percentage (48.3 percent) and third in double-doubles (13) last season, and believe it or not, she's going to need an even better season this summer for the Storm to be successful. In two preseason games, she averaged 20 points and 7.0 rebounds. Seattle, which will continue to be a defense-oriented team under Donovan, has the potential to be a playoff team, but will have to win some of the tough rivalries brewing in the conference.
STARTING FIVE
Sue Bird, PG: She's the definition of fundamental, and only a few point guards can make the passes she dishes. Bird is a great competitor and winner who brings incredible leadership to her team, and she truly makes the players around her better.Betty Lennox, SG: She looks for the fast break, but can effectively receive the ball, too. Though undersized at 5-8, Lennox is a good rebounder -- she grabbed a career-best 5.6 per game in 2000 when she was the league rookie of the year. Incidentally, that's the last time she was a consistent starter, so her numbers might be on the rise. Sheri Sam, SF: She can create her own shot and hit the 3. Sam also has improved her defense and can now match up with bigger 3s when needed. Kamila Vodichkova, PF: Often underrated, but she is one of the smartest veterans in the league. Vodichkova knows where to be on the court, knows the angles and is even quicker than you think. She can shoot with her back to the basket or face up. And most importantly, she opens up a lot of opportunities for Jackson. Defenses can't cheat on Vodichkova, which creates easier shots for her teammates. Lauren Jackson, C: She's only 23 years old, but she can do it all -- and proved it last year en route to earning MVP honors. One of the fiercest competitors out there, the 6-foot-5 Jackson is also immensely tough to guard because she has so many facets to her game. She can shoot the 3, take you off the dribble and knows how to use her big body to protect the ball.
BENCH
Janell Burse has a nice low-post game. She averaged 7.1 points and 3.7 boards with 14 starts for the Lynx last season, and the big-bodied rebounder gives a much-needed boost to Seattle's bench. Simone Edwards adds even more post depth, though she's more of a running post who gets up and down the floor. Both players are good rebounders. Adia Barnes brings intensity and desire with her every time she steps on the floor. She's still recovering from an ACL injury, but she is the type of player that every team needs.
QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED
How long will it take for the chemistry of this team to come together? Can Sam be productive at the 3? Considering what Seattle gave up for that trade to happen, that's a must.
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