Golden State Valkyries first-time WNBAKayla Thornton, an All-Star player, will miss the rest of her first season, putting the league's top team in a vulnerable spot.Several weeks after releasing Julie Vanloo to comply with stringent WNBA regulations.The 32-year-old had successful knee surgery earlier in the week and is starting the long recovery process.
The veteran forward's injury brings a sudden halt to what had been a stellar year; she has been the Valkyries' driving force, both in terms of team morale and performance, during their inaugural season.
The player who went unpicked in the draft after playing for UTEP has been the star performer for the Valkyries, a team with a 10-12 record that has already impressed in its first season.possibly causing them to miss the chance to acquire the highly talented JuJu Watkins in 2027, as anticipated by the WNBA commissioner.Thornton has consistently scored an average of 14 points and grabbed 7 rebounds per game, showcasing her defensive prowess during her 30+ minutes on the court.
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In a season that marked a turning point in her career, she became the first player in the young franchise's history to be named a WNBA All-Star.
Despite her struggles with shooting accuracy – hitting only 36.2% of her total shots and a mere 28.2% of her three-point attempts – Thornton's relentless effort, rebounding prowess, and selfless attitude boosted a team that relied on determination more than individual brilliance. Prior to getting injured, she achieved a personal best of 29 points in a game against Chicago on June 27.
The Valkyries have performed better than anticipated on the court. With a record of 10 wins and 12 losses, the team is currently ranked 5th in the Western Conference, largely due to their outstanding defense. Golden State's defensive prowess is evident in their top-five league ranking and their allowing only 78 points per game, proving they are more than just a new team in the league.
Away from the game, the team's performance has been just as strong. They've shown this in under two months of their inaugural season.SporticoThe Valkyries were appraised at $500 million, making them the WNBA's most valuable team and the first to reach that financial milestone.
That number is almost twice the league's average of $269 million, a claim backed by anticipated earnings exceeding $70 million in 2025.
Even without Thornton, the team's leadership is optimistic. Joe Lacob, the Valkyries' owner, expressed being "blown away" by the team's development, pointing to packed arenas, enthusiastic fans at Chase Center, and a well-defined strategy for recruiting top talent in the future.
Even with that being said, Thornton's unexpected departure puts the Valkyries in a tough spot as they try to keep up their current pace.
Having lost five of their last six games leading up to the All-Star break, and with five of their next six contests set to be played away from home, the team requires improved performances from everyone.
The team's achievements on the court, along with its impressive worth, have amplified demands across the entire league. As WNBA athletes discuss a new labor deal, they're emphasizing the significant gap between how well the teams are doing financially and the limited salaries of the players, which presently make up just about 9% of the league's total income.
Players with experience and those who have come off the bench, often playing alongside Thornton, are strong contenders to step into larger roles for the Valkyries.
The team's forwards, supported by fresh perspectives from Natalie Nakase's coaching team, need to discover strategies to mirror her comprehensive influence, encompassing resilience, board work, and guidance.
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