WNBA: Why there’s a lot to love about the expansion Golden State Valkyries

Prior to the start of the season, the Golden Valkyries’ roster looked like it was in for some growing pains. Yet after four games, they are 2-2, playing spectacular defense and turning heads with a roster full of players that other teams passed on.

The team-first mentality is in-sync with what the Valkyries are building off the court. Recently, they unveiled the Valkyries Collective, described as “a group of thought leaders who recognize the opportunity to advise and enhance what the Valkyries are building in the Bay Area.” Numerous local celebrities and entrepreneurs have come together as part of the project.

But the real work is happening on the court, highlighted by what head coach Natalie Nakase is doing on the defensive end and the contributions of some promising young players.

Veronica Burton is the real deal

Veronica Burton is proving why it’s beneficial for less-utilized WNBA players to take the risk and go overseas to become the focal point of a new team. It can be a perfect opportunity to learn, re-learn, how to be a top dog.

For the Bendigo Spirit in Australia’s WNBL, Burton played at the same level she did as a collegian at Northwestern, when she racked up Big Ten honors on her way to being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 WNBA Draft. Across her first three seasons in the league with the Dallas Wings and Connecticut Sun, Burton averaged just 2.7 points and two assists per game. This season, following her championship season Down Under, the point guard is averaging 12.3 points, 4.3 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game—plus a league-leading three steals!

The French are taking over

Janelle Salaün and Carla Leite are the one-two punch that, in the next couple of years, could become a problem for all the other WNBA teams.

The 23-year-old wing and the 21-year-old guard have years of international experience under their belts. Both made the 18-woman roster of the 2024 French Olympic team, although only Salaün survived the final cut. Coming off very successful seasons in Europe, the stretch 4 and the dynamic point guard have take their talents to the Bay Area.

In the third game of the season, the pair combined for 37 points, carrying the Valkyries to 82-73 road win over the Los Angeles Sparks. From off the bench, Leite scored a team-high 19 points while shooting 70 percent from the field; Salaün drained four of her eight 3-point attempts as she led the Golden State starters with 18 points.