Last year was a smashing success for the Golden State Valkyries.
They sold out all their games, established a modern brand of basketball under head coach Natalie Nakase and reached the postseason as an expansion team.
Now comes the challenge of replicating or exceeding the standard they set. To accomplish this, they will need to get the same level of play from the players who produced last year, their new additions must mesh with the existing infrastructure and some growth across the board is required.
Let’s break down the most important factors for all that to happen. And Valkyries fan, let us know your perspectives in comments.
Can Veronica Burton take her game to another level?
Burton had a career-altering season for Golden State last year.
She ended the season averaging 11.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game, all highs for the four-year guard. Her play was so good that she was selected as the WNBA’s Most Improved Player and made the All-Defense Second Team. That explosion of production is uncommon, but Burton proved that in the right setting, she can excel as a player.
Now such play is expected, and she’ll have to find a way to raise the standard. To do that, she’ll need to rely on baskets at the rim and 3-pointers.
On her shots inside the arc, Burton shot 42 percent on the season. That’s a decent percentage, one that can improve as she looks to attack and get all the way to the rim. Burton took 192 3-pointers and made 34 percent of them. That’s a respectable number, but to expand her game, becoming an even better outside threat is necessary.
With a slight uptick in her scoring efficiency, and the increased production that will come with it, Burton could be looking at her first All-Star appearance in 2026.
Gabby Williams’ offensive growth must translate to Golden State
Gabby Williams has been a valuable WNBA player for quite some time now. Last season, she had her career year with the Seattle Storm. She posted 11.6 points and 4.2 assists per game, along with her defensive versatility, to make her first All-Star team.
Now she’s a member of the Valkyries, signing with the team as an unrestricted free agent with the expectation that she’ll make a similar two-way impact.
The defensive aspect of her game has never been in question.
What remains to be seen is whether she can continue to rise as an offensive player. Golden State is banking that she will, and if she does, they’ll be in a great position to compete for a top playoff spot.
Can the Valkyries be better against the very best?
To be the best, you have to beat the best. Last year, the Valkyries racked up enough victories to make the playoffs, but when the top teams stepped on the floor against the Golden State, they folded.
Against the top four teams in the WNBA last season, the Valkyries went a woeful 2-13. That’s a clear indicator that they don’t measure up well against top competition. The try-hardness of that team was admirable, but once serious opponents came to town, the gap was pretty evident. This year, the challenge is to win more games and become a top-four-caliber team in the league.
If Williams works out, Burton continues to improve and another hidden gem or two emerges under Nakase, they’ll have a shot at that. If not, then perhaps 2026 will be known as a sophomore slump for Golden State.
