The Seattle Storm are the Boston Celtics of the WNBA: A recent champion looking to surround a trio of aging all-stars—Sue Bird, Swin Cash, and Lauren Jackson—with enough competent youngsters to again top the league before meniscus tears doom them to the rebuilding bin. In the recent collegiate draft, the Storm finally did what the Celtics have either been too smug or stupid (or both) to do: draft a promising point guard to back up Bird. That point guard is Alison Lacey, who, like Jackson, grew up in Australia. And like all three of the aforementioned stars, she’s really cute—not just catnip for the Storm’s adoring lesbian fan base, but for dudes, too. (Also hot: Ashley Robinson.) Would it be chauvinistic to suggest a swimsuit calendar? Y’know, for charity, like when firemen do it. Anything they can do, the Storm can do better; and tonight, they prep for the regular season (beginning May 16) with their preseason opener against the Phoenix Mercury, last year’s WNBA champs. MIKE SEELY

Sun., May 2, 1 p.m., 2010