Storm Notes: Team puts big emphasis on defense in first practice

Defense was the word for the Storm's opening practice Tuesday.

Storm coach Anne Donovan is implementing a tweaked system to contend with the league's new 24-second shot clock and to improve on last season's defensive showing. Seattle led the league in scoring (73.5), but was last in points allowed (70.8) and ranked 12th in steals (5.9) in the then 13-team league.

There were signs of a turnaround at practice even though it's early. Rookie small forward Barbara Turner, the Storm's first-round draft pick, is athletic and aggressive. And returnees Lauren Jackson and Janell Burse said the new look on defense would ease some of the frustrations the team had guarding the perimeter.

"Defense is key this year, Coach D told us that from the very first meeting we had," Burse said. "Everybody is focused on that more than our offense, and that's a change. I like it better because we can protect the paint a lot more. It's easier to help, and it's just more realistic."

The team practiced for about three hours, going a quasi five-on-five against the male practice team. Since there are only 10 healthy players with center Lindsay Taylor joining for the final hour, everyone had plenty of repetitions.

"There's no standing around in this camp," said Donovan of the smallest roster to open training camp in the Storm's seven-year history. "The defense is brand new, including to the returning players, so keeping my patience and cool now is important."

Donovan is sticking to her system of wanting to have five post players and seven perimeter players on the final roster. Seven spots are already filled, including free-agent pickup Wendy Palmer, leaving a possible five slots open.

Even after just one practice, Turner appears to be a lock, maybe even challenging Iziane Castro Marques for the starting role. Inside, Donovan wants to add two posts — a seasoned veteran and a less-experienced player — while finding a backup point guard and a wild card for the injured list.

Medic

Guard Shaunzinski (Shaun) Gortman missed practice on Monday and Tuesday due to a bout with the stomach flu. She's listed as day to day.

Jackson practiced for about 60 minutes Tuesday after doing cardio work and did not participate in the evening session. Donovan said Jackson will build up to more time on the court. Jackson said it's the longest she has trained in three months, although she has been playing highly competitive basketball.

Burse, still healing an injury to her upper-left arm, participated only in non-contact drills.

Bird's nest?

Storm All-Star Sue Bird's contract expires at the end of this season. In the past, the Storm has handled negotiations early, and that could be the case for the team's point guard once she returns from playing in Russia.

Her agent said Bird, who'll be a restricted free agent, is happy in Seattle and most likely wouldn't want to bolt for her native New York or another WNBA team.

Bird, the league's leader in assists last season (5.9), was the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2002. She has averaged 13.0 points and 5.9 assists in four seasons.

Number change

Battling for numbers is not Wendy Palmer's style, so there was no surprise when the nine-year veteran didn't challenge Bird for the No. 10 jersey Palmer wore with San Antonio last season. She only wore the number because All-Star Marie Ferdinand had a stronghold on Palmer's favorite number (3). That's what Palmer will wear for the Storm this season.

"It stands for the big three in my life," Palmer said. "God, me and family."

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com