Why Nika Muhl’s lack of playing time in Seattle hasn’t disrupted her rookie WNBA season

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JULY 12: Nika Muhl #1 of the Seattle Storm reacts during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Lynx at Climate Pledge Arena on July 12, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

Nika Muhl knows her rookie season hasn’t turned out how fans hoped it would. But she says that’s okay.

On September 1, when the Seattle Storm were in a tight six-point battle with the Connecticut Sun during the fourth quarter, chants of “Nika! Nika!” rang out in Mohegan Sun area. But with just under four minutes to play and such high stakes, Muhl wouldn’t see the floor.

However, that moment did reflect a frustrated fan base — full of Storm and UConn supporters — who wanted to see more of the rookie who was drafted No. 14 overall. (Muhl is only averaging 2.6 minutes of action this season.) Per Maggie Vanoni of CT Insider, the former Husky is not rushing to play more. Here’s what she shared with Vanoni:

“Our coach reminds us every day, ‘You’re one of 144,'” Mühl said. “That’s not a lot of spots for the amount of talent and the amount of hardworking women that are in this league and not in this league at this moment.”
“So, just reminding myself every morning, when I wake up — that even though I don’t get many minutes, it’s still a huge blessing to be a part of this program, especially being a part of Seattle Storm.”
“Everybody looks at not playing as something so horrible and so bad, but behind the scenes, I’m working my butt off.” Mühl said. “I’m learning so much, watching film all the time, learning from the best players in the world, amazing coaches. I’m not missing anything. I’m just enjoying the process. And this is my journey, and that’s how it’s supposed to be.”