"She looks miserable": Fans react to Nika Muhl's pre-game outfit feat. red leather jacket and denim mini-skirt 

The Seattle Storm shared a “heat advisory” featuring rookie Nika Muhl in her pre-game outfit, but fans focused more on how seemingly unhappy she appeared in the photos.

Nika Muhl had played 13 games and remained scoreless in each. Despite this, she turned heads with a bold red leather jacket, bikini top and denim miniskirt, accessorized with green sunglasses, a leather handbag and a chain-link choker.

Although fans on X (formerly Twitter) admired her fashion, they couldn't ignore her expression, with many commenting that she appeared displeased.

“She looks miserable! Trade her after this season please,” one user said.

“Nika blink twice if you’re in trouble,” added another.

Muhl, who had yet to play 10 minutes in any game this season, attempted six total field goals so far, with none converted. She recorded six rebounds and one assist across her first 13 games.

Due to her limited playing time, one fan joked that she was being treated more like a mascot.

“She's the mascot,” a user said.

“Damn, the only time this girl gets is screen time,” one user said. “Y'all should be ashamed of yourselves. It's like saying you're serving chocolate chip cookies...but none of the cookies have chocolate chips in them. If you're not going to play her, stop showing her off.”

Another fan added:

“I can't take this. Play Nika!”

Here are more reactions to her pregame appearance:

“Trade her at this point. Only using her for media views,” one user said.

“Play her or trade her,” added another.

Nika Muhl stands by her coach’s decisions regarding her playing time

While the fans are lobbying for her to get more playing time, Nika Muhl expressed support for Noelle Quinn’s choices for the team.

“I see a lot of people questioning my coach’s decisions and I know it might seem like it’s coming from a good spirit, but I love my coach and I think her decisions are amazing and I respect them,” she said (per The Next).

She emphasized that in the WNBA, earning a spot is crucial and she is enjoying the process.

“I gotta earn my spot, simple as that. And while I’m earning my spot, I’m having fun and I’m growing and I’m learning — so getting those minutes today is huge. And I’m just waiting for my opportunity and I love waiting for it too.”

Nika Muhl, who had a successful career at UConn, was selected 14th overall in the second round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. Originally from Croatia, she missed the Storm's first four games of the season while awaiting a P1A work visa to replace the student visa she held at UConn.