'Is manifestation real?' Why the Valkyries are the perfect fit for Gabby Williams - ESPN

SAN FRANCISCO — Gabby Williams had a decision to make.

A free agent for the first time in her career, the WNBA All-Star felt like she was splitting hairs on where the best landing spot would be. She had spoken to coaches, heard pitches from general managers and crowdsourced her peers. Still, making what could be a career-altering decision left her with some paralysis.

Things came into focus when she got a call from Golden State Valkyries owner Joe Lacob on the eve of the signing window opening. It was different from the calls she had with her other suitors. For 20 minutes, Lacob and Williams spoke about her goals as she entered her seventh season in the W.

She told him she wanted more: more winning, more responsibility, more ways to evolve.

Then, they discussed his vision for the expansion team in its second season. «He said, 'This is why we are going to win, this is why it would be silly for you to go anywhere else, this is why we're going to have longevity. I want to build dynasties here,'» Williams said.

«Who doesn't want to come to something like that? We play this game to win championships. I've never won one, and at this point in my career, that is the top priority.… I was so convinced that I would not win anywhere else.»

Williams arrived in the Bay Area looking to take the Valkyries to the next level. She brought with her a highly touted defensive skill set that fit perfectly into Natalie Nakase's system. She quickly bought into their selfless style of play. And she leads the team in scoring with a career-high 16.3 points. Just 18 games into her stint with Golden State, it's become clear that Williams is doing more than just helping the Valkyries — she has become the leader of the group and the centerpiece of