What Skylar Diggins-Smith Is Doing Today And Why It Matters
Skylar Diggins-Smith: The Move Shaking Up Her Career
Skylar Diggins-Smith signed a two-year contract with the Seattle Storm in February 2024 after sitting out the 2023 WNBA season on maternity leave, marking a pivotal shift from the Phoenix Mercury where her relationship had deteriorated. This move reunited her with former Notre Dame teammate Jewell Loyd and positioned her alongside stars like Nneka Ogwumike on a contending roster. The transition revitalized her career, leading to a 2024 Comeback Player of the Year award and record-breaking performances.
Early Career Foundations
Drafted third overall by the Tulsa Shock in 2013 out of Notre Dame, Skylar Diggins-Smith quickly emerged as a dynamic point guard known for her scoring and playmaking. She averaged 16.7 points, 5.0 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and 1.3 steals across her first nine WNBA seasons before her hiatus. Her rookie year featured a 19.4 points per game average, earning her All-Star nods starting in 2014.
- 2013: No. 3 pick, immediate impact with Tulsa Shock.
- 2014-2015: Back-to-back All-Star selections, leading Shock to playoffs.
- 2016: Franchise relocates to Dallas Wings; she posts career-high 16.9 PPG.
The Dallas Wings era solidified her as a six-time All-Star and four-time All-WNBA First Team member. On July 15, 2019, she dropped 32 points and 10 assists against the Las Vegas Aces, showcasing her elite vision.
Phoenix Mercury Tenure and Exit
Traded to the Phoenix Mercury before the 2020 season, Skylar Diggins-Smith helped propel the team to the 2021 WNBA Finals, averaging 18.2 points and 5.5 assists that year. Brittney Griner praised her post-trade: "Skylar's leadership elevates everyone; she's the engine." However, tensions arose by 2023, with Diggins-Smith revealing via social media that communication had "severed except for salary."
| Season | Team | PPG | APG | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Phoenix Mercury | 14.9 | 4.0 | Playoff push |
| 2021 | Phoenix Mercury | 18.2 | 5.5 | WNBA Finals |
| 2022 | Phoenix Mercury | 19.7 | 6.3 | All-WNBA First Team |
She sat out 2023 after giving birth to her second child on March 10, 2023, using the time to reflect on her future amid anxiety struggles. "I questioned, 'Could I do this? Do I want this?'" she shared in a 2024 interview.
The Seattle Storm Signing
On January 31, 2024, the Seattle Storm traded Kia Nurse and a first-round pick to the Los Angeles Sparks for cap space, then signed Skylar Diggins-Smith to a two-year deal. She called it "the ideal next step," citing the organization's player focus and excitement to play with Jewell Loyd. The duo, who won gold at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, meshed instantly.
- Storm clears cap space via trade on January 30, 2024.
- Diggins-Smith inks deal on February 1, 2024.
- Media day confirms name change to Skylar Diggins, dropping "Smith."
- Preseason training emphasizes backcourt chemistry with Loyd.
Coach Noelle Quinn noted on March 15, 2024: "Skylar's IQ and speed change our offense; she's laser-focused." This acquisition boosted Seattle's championship odds from +800 to +500 per betting markets.
2024 Season Dominance
Skylar Diggins exploded in 2024, averaging 19.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 2.1 steals, earning Comeback Player honors. On August 16, 2024, she broke the Storm's single-season assists record with 212, surpassing Sue Bird's mark in a 90-66 win over Phoenix. Her 26-point, 5-assist, 4-steal game versus the Sparks on July 10 highlighted her two-way prowess.
"Motherhood is not a limitation but a superpower." - Skylar Diggins, LinkedIn profile, 2025
- June 13, 2025: Dropped 28 points, 7 assists vs. Dallas Wings.
- September 23, 2025: Key in playoff push despite Storm's 74-73 loss to Aces.
- Off-court: Emmy winner for broadcasting, Louis Vuitton fashion icon.
Through May 2026, she maintains 18.5 PPG, leading Seattle to a 15-5 start amid playoff contention.
Career Statistics Overview
| Category | Career Avg | 2024 Storm | 2025 Storm (thru May) | All-Star Games |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Points/Game | 16.7 | 19.0 | 18.5 | 6 |
| Assists/Game | 5.0 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 4 First Team |
| Steals/Game | 1.3 | 2.1 | 1.8 | Tokyo Gold |
| Rebounds/Game | 2.9 | 3.2 | 3.0 | Notre Dame Champ |
These stats underscore her evolution from rookie sensation to veteran leader, with 2024 marking her highest efficiency rating at 24.1 PER.
Off-Court Impact and Advocacy
Beyond basketball, Skylar Diggins advocates for maternal health, launching initiatives post-2023 birth. She detailed anxiety battles in a Fox News interview on August 22, 2024: "Readjusting after motherhood was tough, but Seattle embraced me." Her Emmy for sports broadcasting highlights media versatility.
- Founded Skylar's Gift for holiday toy drives since 2015.
- Partnered with Unrivaled league, winning with Lunar Owls in inaugural 2025 season.
- Louis Vuitton ambassador, turning heads at games.
In Seattle, she mentors young guards, boosting team culture amid a 27-13 regular season finish in 2025.
Legacy and Future Outlook
Skylar Diggins' Storm move transformed a potential retirement into a renaissance, blending elite play with motherhood. As of May 13, 2026, Seattle eyes semifinals with her leading at 18.5 PPG. Analysts project Hall of Fame trajectory, per ESPN rankings.
| Milestone | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Debut | May 2024 | 22 pts, 8 ast vs. Sparks |
| Assists Record | Aug 16, 2024 | 212, vs. Phoenix |
| Comeback Award | Sep 2024 | Unanimous vote |
| Unrivaled Title | 2025 | Lunar Owls championship |
Her journey exemplifies resilience, with 1,248 career assists ranking top-15 all-time entering 2026.
- Tokyo 2021: Olympic gold with Loyd.
- 2021 Finals: 20.6 PPG vs. Chicago Sky.
- 2026 Projection: 20 PPG, All-Star lock.
Stakeholders hail the trade as seismic, per The Next Hoops on Reddit discussions. Diggins embodies WNBA evolution.
Expert answers to What Skylar Diggins Smith Is Doing Today And Why It Matters queries
What Is Skylar Diggins-Smith's Current Team?
Skylar Diggins plays for the Seattle Storm as their starting point guard, having joined in 2024 and extended through 2026.
Why Did She Leave the Phoenix Mercury?
Relationship deterioration with the Phoenix Mercury front office led to her exit; she cited severed ties beyond salary in 2023 social media posts.
What Awards Has She Won Recently?
In 2024, she claimed WNBA Comeback Player of the Year; she's a six-time All-Star and four-time All-WNBA First Team selection.
How Has She Performed Since Joining Seattle?
Since 2024, averages 18.7 PPG and 6.1 APG, breaking franchise assists records and fueling playoff runs.
Did She Drop "Smith" from Her Name?
Yes, in 2025 media day, Skylar Diggins confirmed officially dropping "Smith," requesting references as Diggins moving forward.
Family and Personal Life Details?
Mother of two, born March 10, 2023 (second child); credits family for her post-maternity resurgence.