The dawn of a new era is upon us, basketball fans. On Friday, the WNBA Expansion Draft officially introduced the Golden State Valkyries to the league. And in true Bay Area fashion, they’re already making waves—or at least ripples. With the ability to swipe one player from nearly every other team, the Valkyries had the daunting task of assembling a squad capable of turning heads—and maybe even winning games.
Spoiler alert: this isn’t quite the Avengers assembling, but hey, underdogs are fun, right?
The Guards: Youth, Potential, and Some Interesting Choices
Let’s start in the backcourt, where the Valkyries have made some bold, if not eyebrow-raising, selections.
Veronica Burton comes from the Connecticut Sun, where she mostly admired Alyssa Thomas’s triple-doubles from the bench. Sure, her college stats at Northwestern were eye-popping, but she’s yet to show she can dominate in the pros. However, now that she’s no longer overshadowed by the Sun’s stacked roster, maybe she can finally shine. Or, you know, be a perfectly serviceable guard.
Carla Leite is the definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick. Drafted by the Dallas Wings but staying overseas in France, Leite is a Tony Parker Academy alum and all of 20 years old. If she ever graces the WNBA with her presence, she could be a franchise cornerstone. If not, well…the food in France is pretty great.
Then there’s Kate Martin, who went from Iowa hype woman (shoutout Caitlin Clark) to a solid rookie campaign with the Las Vegas Aces. Martin’s upside is undeniable, and her reputation as a fan favorite should help rally Valkyries supporters. Or at least keep them entertained during blowouts.
Finally, Julie Vanloo, a Belgian sharpshooter with one year of WNBA experience, enters the fold. Her 7.4 points and 4.3 assists per game for the Mystics suggest she might actually be the most reliable guard on this team. Plus, she starred in the Paris Olympics, which is more than most players can say.
The Forwards: Veterans, Mystery Picks, and a Sprinkle of Hope
Moving to the wings, the Valkyries embraced a mix of overseas stars, reliable vets, and “well, why not?” selections.
Maria Conde, who was drafted back in 2019 but has yet to step foot in the WNBA, finally gets her chance. A Spanish-born player with international experience, she’s an enigma wrapped in a mystery—kind of like trying to understand why pineapple on pizza is controversial.
Stephanie Talbot, meanwhile, brings veteran leadership and a history of solid play. After bouncing back from an ACL tear in 2023, she put together a respectable season with the Sparks. Is she past her prime? Probably. But hey, every team needs someone who can keep the younger players in line.
Cecilia Zandalasini is the Valkyries’ lottery ticket. After a five-year WNBA hiatus, she returned last season and showed flashes of brilliance in the Finals. Could she thrive with more minutes? Maybe. Could she also fade into obscurity? Definitely.
Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings round out the forward group. Thornton is a former Liberty role player who played a part in their 2024 title run. She’s solid, dependable, and unlikely to wow you. Billings, on the other hand, has all the makings of a breakout star. Averaging 7.4 points and 5.8 rebounds last season, she’s ready for an expanded role—and the Valkyries are betting big on her potential.
The Centers: Bigs With Bigger Question Marks
Ah, the centers. You know what they say: you can’t teach size. Unfortunately, you also can’t teach experience, which is where things get dicey.
Iliana Rupert is an Aces draft pick who hasn’t seen much action in the WNBA but comes with loads of potential. At just 23 years old, she’s a moldable piece who could become a dominant force—or just another tall player who rides the pine.
Temi Fagbenle, on the other hand, brings a veteran presence to the paint. Averaging 6.4 points and 4.7 rebounds in limited minutes last season, she’s efficient and reliable. In a word: underrated.
Golden State Valkyries: Underdogs With a (Small) Bite
Let’s be real—this roster isn’t scaring anyone just yet. The Valkyries have cobbled together a team full of second-chancers, question marks, and unproven talent. But that’s the beauty of expansion teams—they get to defy expectations.
Under head coach Natalie Nakase, who brings championship pedigree from her time with the Aces, the Valkyries have a chance to mold this ragtag group into something special. Or, at the very least, entertaining.
So, while the Golden State Valkyries might not be title contenders right away, they’re already winners in one key category: potential. And as any sports fan knows, potential is just one step away from reality—or disappointment. Let’s see which path this team takes.
