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Natisha Hiedeman has emerged as a rising force in the 2026 WNBA season, averaging 12.2 points per game—a notable increase from her 9.1 PPG in 2025. The Seattle Storm guard continues to demonstrate the scoring development and two-way consistency that earned her the Sylvia Fowles Altruism Award last year, marking a significant evolution in her professional game.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Hiedeman averaged 12.2 PPG entering late May 2026 play
- Career-high 24 points scored earlier in 2026 season
- 8-year WNBA veteran began professional career with Connecticut Sun in 2019
- 49.2% shooting percentage from field in 2025, career-best efficiency
- Storm record: 2–4 as of late May with pivotal games ahead
Building on a Breakout Foundation
Hiedeman’s rise represents a steady progression in WNBA impact. She spent the first five seasons of her career with the Connecticut Sun, where she logged 1,500+ career points and helped guide the franchise to the 2022 WNBA Finals. Her 2025 season marked a turning point—she appeared in every regular-season game and demonstrated elite 49.2% field goal efficiency, one of the league’s top marks for guards her size. That consistent excellence at 5–foot–8 made her an attractive target for Seattle’s front office during the 2026 free agency period.
The transition from Connecticut to Seattle in April 2026 positioned her in a system built around pace and three-level scoring. In her first month with the Storm, Hiedeman has shown immediate chemistry with All-Star teammates, including running pick-and-roll sets and functioning as a secondary playmaker. Her 4.0 assists per game average indicates she’s handling increased offensive responsibilities while maintaining her reputation as a steady, unselfish presence on court.
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Season-Specific Performance Trends
Hiedeman’s scoring surge in 2026 stems from two measurable factors: increased usage and improved efficiency on opportunities. Through early May 26, she has posted games with 20 points, demonstrating her capability as a volume scorer when matchups favor her. More importantly, her 12.2 PPG average comes on consistent shot selection—she’s not forcing attempts but capitalizing on open looks created by the Storm’s ball movement.
Her assist-to-turnover ratio and 0.7 steals per game underscore a defensive presence that often goes overlooked. In WNBA competition, where elite perimeter defenders can swing conference standings, Hiedeman’s length and footwork have disrupted more than a few backcourt opponents. This two-way contribution explains why Storm head coach Sonia Raman has prioritized her in rotational minutes throughout the early season.
Statistical Comparison: Growth by the Numbers
Below is a breakdown comparing Hiedeman’s seasonal averages across her last three years of professional basketball:
| Stat Category | 2024 Season | 2025 Season | 2026 Season (YTD) |
| Points Per Game | 8.5 PPG | 9.1 PPG | 12.2 PPG |
| Assists Per Game | 2.3 APG | 2.8 APG | 4.0 APG |
| Field Goal % | 44.1% | 49.2% | 43.8% |
| Games Played | 31 GP | 40 GP (Full) | 6 GP |
| Minutes Per Game | 18.2 MPG | 25.0 MPG | 26.3 MPG |
The 35% increase in PPG from 2025 to 2026—coupled with a 43% jump in assists—reveals that Hiedeman is not simply scoring more but distributing more effectively. This suggests she’s occupying a more central role in Seattle’s offense than she held previously. Her 26.3 minutes per game also reflects the coaching staff’s confidence in deploying her in high-leverage situations.
“Natisha brings a winning mentality and a strong character that elevates everyone around her. Her shooting touch and basketball IQ make her a valuable complement in our backcourt rotation.”
— Seattle Storm Official Statement, April 2026 Signing
What’s Next for Hiedeman and the Storm
Hiedeman’s early-season trajectory positions her as a critical variable in Seattle’s playoff equation. The Storm’s 2–4 start is not ideal, but road success in May and June often determines playoff seeding. If Hiedeman maintains her 12+ PPG average while keeping turnovers under control, the team’s offense gains flexibility—defenders cannot key exclusively on the All-Star talent in the backcourt.
The 2026 NBA Western Conference remains intensely competitive, with Golden State, Las Vegas, and Phoenix all fielding deep rosters. Seattle’s path requires sustained contributions from depth pieces, and Hiedeman’s proven two-way professionalism fits that need perfectly. Over the remaining 30+ games of the season, her development curve matters as much as any individual player on the roster.
A Player in Her Prime—What Comes Next?
At 29 years old, Natisha Hiedeman has reached an inflection point in her WNBA journey. The 2026 season will define whether her 2025 shooting improvements and current scoring uptick represent sustainable growth or a short-term plateau. Early signs suggest the former. Her comfort level in Seattle’s system, combined with reduced defensive pressure compared to her prior role in Connecticut, has unlocked a more aggressive offensive mindset—without sacrificing the efficiency metrics that made her valuable in the first place.
Basketball analysts will track her performance closely as WNBA trades and free-agent moves reshape rosters heading into the stretch run. For now, Hiedeman’s name belongs in the conversation around secondary scorers elevating their game at the right moment in their careers. The Storm and their fans are watching to see if she can sustain this momentum through the playoffs.
Sources
- ESPN WNBA – Player statistics, game logs, and season averages
- Official WNBA.com – Career statistics and achievement records
- Seattle Storm (Official) – Team transaction announcements and player profiles
- Basketball-Reference.com – Historical season data and comparative analytics
