Sami Whitcomb, a key veteran of the Phoenix Mercury, entered the WNBA in 2017 with the Seattle Storm after going undrafted in 2010 and competing in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL). Her journey through the league highlights her resilience and contribution to two championship-winning teams, solidifying her position in Sami Whitcomb WNBA championships history.
Early Career and WNBA Debut with the Seattle Storm
Whitcomb’s WNBA debut saw her averaging 4.5 points and 1.7 rebounds during her rookie season. While she primarily came off the bench, that season marked the beginning of her professional impact in the league. The following year, the Seattle Storm captured their third championship by sweeping the Washington Mystics 3-0 in the Finals, after beating the Phoenix Mercury in a tight 3-2 series. That year, the Storm achieved the best league record at 26-8, earning a bye through the first two playoff rounds and valuable rest time.
During the championship run, Whitcomb participated in 31 games, coming off the bench in all, and averaged 2.9 points per game. This underscored her role as a reliable reserve player contributing to the team’s success.
Progress and Performance as a Starter
In 2009, Whitcomb’s playing time increased as she appeared in 33 games and started 13 of them, her only season as a starter with the Storm. She averaged 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and recorded a career-best 1.1 steals, showing growth in her overall game. Despite this personal progress, the Storm were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs. After defeating the Minnesota Lynx 84-74 in the first round, they fell 92-69 to the Los Angeles Sparks.
That season saw the Washington Mystics capture their first-ever franchise championship by defeating the Connecticut Sun 3-2 in the Finals, adding a historic moment to the league’s competitive landscape.
Second Championship and Increased Role in the Team
The Storm’s next championship came during a shortened season when they finished with an impressive 18-4 record and again bypassed the initial playoff rounds. Seattle swept the Minnesota Lynx in the semifinals before dominating the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. Whitcomb’s contributions grew as she averaged 8.1 points, 2.3 rebounds, and two assists that season, while shooting an efficient 38 percent from beyond the arc, signaling her increasing importance on offense.
The Future: Another Championship Opportunity for Whitcomb
Having secured two championships early in her career, Whitcomb’s current role with the Phoenix Mercury positions her as an experienced leader. With the Mercury’s promising outlook this season, her veteran presence could prove vital during the playoffs, potentially influencing crucial moments on the court.
As the playoffs approach, many are watching closely to see if Whitcomb will add another championship title to her career history.