### Seattle Storm Faces Challenges Ahead of 2025 Season with Key Player Absences and New Talent The Seattle Storm is gearing up for the 2025 WNBA season, but the team will be without two of its newer players, Horston and Mühl, who are sidelined for the entire season. This news comes as the Storm also welcomes a promising new talent, Dominique Malonga, who was drafted as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft. Malonga, a 19-year-old forward from France, is being hailed as one of the most exciting prospects in recent years, drawing comparisons to NBA star Victor Wembanyama due to her impressive skills and height of 6-foot-6. The Storm's management and fans are hopeful that Malonga can make a significant impact despite the absence of other key players [https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/seattle-storm-horston-muhl-wnba, https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/seattle-storm/storm-news-dominique-malonga-excited-showcase-european-basketball-talent-wnba]. ### Overview of the Current Situation and Team Dynamics 1. **Player Absences**: - Horston and Mühl will not participate in the 2025 season, creating a gap in the Storm's roster. - The team will need to adapt quickly to these changes as they prepare for preseason. 2. **New Talent Acquisition**: - Dominique Malonga was selected as the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft, indicating the Storm's commitment to building a strong team. - Malonga is recognized for her dunking ability and overall athleticism, which could be a game-changer for the Storm. 3. **Expectations and Comparisons**: - Analysts and fans are excited about Malonga, often referring to her as the "female Victor Wembanyama," highlighting her potential to reshape the team's dynamics. - Malonga aims to showcase European basketball talent in the WNBA, which could elevate the league's international profile [https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/4/17/24409019/dominique-malonga-seattle-storm-steal-wnba-draft-prospect-dunks, https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/seattle-storm/storm-news-dominique-malonga-excited-showcase-european-basketball-talent-wnba]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Dominique Malonga's Profile**: - Height: 6-foot-6 - Draft Position: No. 2 overall in the 2025 WNBA Draft - Age: 19 years old - Nationality: French - Notable Skills: Dunking, athleticism, and versatility on the court [https://www.apnews.com/article/wnba-draft-dominique-malonga-france-98dedaf445a950d45755b4064b30388f, https://clutchpoints.com/wnba/seattle-storm/storm-news-dominique-malonga-excited-showcase-european-basketball-talent-wnba]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for the Seattle Storm In summary, the Seattle Storm is entering a pivotal moment as they prepare for the 2025 WNBA season. The absence of Horston and Mühl presents challenges, but the addition of Dominique Malonga offers a glimmer of hope and excitement. 1. **Key Challenges**: The team must navigate the loss of two players while integrating new talent. 2. **Promising Newcomer**: Malonga's skills and potential could significantly influence the team's performance. 3. **Future Outlook**: The Storm's ability to adapt and leverage Malonga's talents will be crucial for their success in the upcoming season [https://www.fox13seattle.com/sports/seattle-storm-horston-muhl-wnba, https://www.sbnation.com/wnba/2025/4/17/24409019/dominique-malonga-seattle-storm-steal-wnba-draft-prospect-dunks].