The stage is set, the buzz is palpable, and the Golden State Valkyries are ready to storm into the WNBA in 2025. With the expansion draft looming this Friday, GM Ohemaa Nyanin has the chance to either craft a championship-caliber team or create something resembling a backyard pickup squad. The pressure is on, and the stakes couldn’t be higher as the league’s 13th franchise prepares to build its roster from scraps—or perhaps hidden gems—left unprotected by rival teams.
In this draft, teams can shield up to six of their players. That means Golden State gets to shop in the leftovers aisle but might just stumble upon a discounted superstar. Let’s break down three players who could go from overlooked to overachievers with the Valkyries.
1. Alissa Pili (Minnesota Lynx): The Diamond in the Depth Chart
Minnesota Lynx fans might want to skip this section—it’s going to hurt. With veterans and star players dominating the Lynx’s protection priority list, Alissa Pili could end up as the proverbial “Oops, we forgot about her!” in this draft.
Pili was the eighth pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft after bulldozing her way through defenders during her collegiate career at Utah. Sadly, her rookie year was less “star in the making” and more “sitting behind stars,” as the Lynx’s stacked lineup gave her minimal chances to shine.
But picture this: Pili unleashed in a starting role for the Valkyries, dropping buckets like Santa drops gifts. Her untapped potential screams “future All-Star,” and Golden State should grab her like a last-minute Black Friday deal.
2. Haley Jones (Atlanta Dream): Homecoming Queen or Cautionary Tale?
Haley Jones’ sophomore season with the Atlanta Dream was… let’s just call it “meh.” Despite more minutes, her production took a nosedive faster than a bad stock pick. Rumor has it that she might be unprotected, making her a tantalizing option for Golden State.
Why? For starters, she’s practically a local celebrity—Santa Cruz native, Stanford alum, and all-around Bay Area darling. Plus, her defensive chops and ability to splash threes align perfectly with head coach Natalie Nakase’s “3-and-D” obsession.
But let’s not kid ourselves: Haley needs to bring more than hometown vibes to the court. If Golden State can reignite her potential as a three-level scorer, Jones might just go from bust to Bay Area legend.
3. Kayla Thornton (New York Liberty): The Vet Every Rookie Needs
The Liberty are fresh off a championship run, which means Kayla Thornton might get the “Thanks for your service” treatment in the expansion draft. With a starting lineup that screams “Protect me!” Thornton could easily be left out in the cold.
This is exactly why the Valkyries should swoop in. Thornton embodies experience, grit, and leadership—qualities the league’s newest (and likely youngest) roster will desperately need. Her defense and knack for clutch threes make her a perfect fit for Nakase’s system, while her championship pedigree could inspire her new teammates to aim high.
Oh, and let’s not forget: Every expansion team needs at least one player who knows how to win and can double as a locker-room therapist. Thornton checks both boxes.
Final Thoughts: Building a Masterpiece or a Meme?
The Valkyries have a golden opportunity to build a competitive team right out of the gate. Whether they emerge as contenders or fodder for meme pages will depend on how well they balance young talent like Pili and Jones with veteran anchors like Thornton.
What do you think—are these the right picks for the Golden State Valkyries? Or will their choices leave fans wishing for a mulligan? Drop your thoughts in the comments, because let’s face it, we all love playing armchair GM.
Friday can’t come soon enough. Grab your popcorn; it’s draft time.
