Golden State Valkyries: A Quick Rise to Prominence
In the realm of American sports, few expansion teams have made a mark as swiftly and effectively as the Golden State Valkyries. Since their launch in the WNBA last season, the Valkyries have developed a reputation for strong defense, effectively shutting down opponents in the paint and applying pressure on the ball. This approach led to a playoff berth, setting a record for most wins by a first-year team in the league and earning Natalie Nakase the Coach of the Year award.
The team’s defense appears to have improved even further this season, solidifying their status as one of the top teams in the WNBA. Heading into the All-Star break, Golden State boasts a record of 19 wins and 8 losses, including a recent nine-game winning streak. They’re currently leading the league in defensive stats, with the Lynx trailing behind.
However, while the Valkyries are performing at a high level, their story is more than just an inspiring tale. For Golden State to truly challenge for a championship, they need to strengthen their offense. Presently, they rank eighth out of 15 teams in terms of points per 100 possessions. The offense is characterized by good ball control and a knack for hitting three-pointers, but in the playoff environment, having a strong offensive creator is critical—something the Valkyries still need.
As the trade deadline on August 2 approaches, the team is presented with a significant opportunity to bolster their chances for a title, and one player stands out as a potential fit.
Kelsey Plumb is set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season and is unlikely to return to the Los Angeles Sparks. Reports indicate that the Sparks, who are currently at 10-16, will be looking to trade her rather than lose her for nothing. They seem to be focused on acquiring promising talent for future drafts.
Plumb could be an ideal addition to the Valkyries. The Sparks are in need of draft picks, and Golden State possesses all of theirs, along with an extra second-round pick acquired from a previous trade. There’s a possibility of the Valkyries offering Kyla Charles, Tiffany Hayes, and one or two first-round picks to LA for Plumb, which could significantly elevate Golden State’s championship prospects.
Why Kelsey Plumb Fits with the Valkyries
Recently sidelined due to a soft tissue injury in her left foot, if Plumb recovers in time, she could provide the much-needed half-court scoring and playmaking that Golden State requires heading into the playoffs.
In her last game before the injury, Plumb showcased her talent with an impressive 43-point performance in just 37 minutes during an overtime clash against Phoenix. At 31, she still possesses remarkable agility as a ball-handler, able to penetrate defenses despite her shorter stature of 5’8″. Remarkably, she excels at scoring near the rim, consistently hitting 64.7% of her shots from close range. Furthermore, her mid-range game is solid, boasting a field goal percentage of 48% from 3 to 10 feet.
Plumb stands out as one of the league’s top three-point shooters, making 38.3% of her attempts this season while taking nearly ten threes per game. This balance of volume and accuracy makes her a valuable asset as a floor spacer.
In stark contrast, Golden State has struggled in two-point shooting, ranking last in the league with a field goal percentage of 47.8% from inside the arc. Plumb, with a 63.6% shooting efficiency on two-pointers this season, could help remedy that weakness. She also meshes well within a team that currently leads the WNBA in three-point shooting.
While Veronica Burton has stepped up as the Valkyries’ makeshift point guard this season, Plumb’s natural ability to orchestrate the game and facilitate scoring through drives and assists could be exactly what Golden State needs to enhance its offensive capabilities.
Despite her evident strengths, defensive concerns linger for Plumb. Her lack of size might make her susceptible to being targeted, especially on screens. Fortunately, with defensive assets like Burton and Gabby Williams on the wings, and Kia Stokes providing inside protection, the Valkyries could shield her from such challenges. Their defensive strategy focuses on guarding the paint, which might alleviate some of her defensive burdens.
Looking ahead, Golden State has the financial flexibility to retain Plumb in the offseason. Even if they have larger plans, acquiring her as a rental could be a savvy move. With uncertainties surrounding other teams, particularly with key players like Napheesa Collier recovering from injuries, the championship landscape is wide open.
The Valkyries’ current strength might make them hesitant to pursue a player like Plumb, who could complicate their established defensive identity. But adding her could address their half-court offensive needs and push the team to new heights.
Having already traded a considerable asset for Plumb in the past, the Sparks are unlikely to want to let her leave empty-handed. As the deadline nears, the Valkyries seem well-positioned to strike a beneficial deal.
