Let’s play a game.
I will present four statements. Three of them are undeniable basketball truths while one is a stretch. When you find it, the only prize here is that you will be credited for leading provocative conversations between the end of the WNBA Finals and into free agency.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you “Stretch 4 Golden State Valkyries Edition”
Now you know the object of the “game”, let’s get into it.
- Golden State’s trajectory isn’t normal. It takes an expansion franchise years of trial and error to form an identity and contend.
- A coach that has the buy-in of the players is just as important as talent. Natalie Nakase has the buy-in of her roster and that’s integral to their success.
- As great as the Valkyries have been, their offense is still a weakness at times. They need to address it whether they win the title or not.
- Continuity and chemistry matter. The Valkyries are as cohesive and successful as they are.
This “game” was a thought experiment. Golden State’s ascension challenges perceived basketball norms as well as inspires. Their success challenged what I believed to be true. In July, I had a clear stance. I believed that the Valkyries needed a true number one option down the stretch when the offense stalls and the defense can’t sustain them. They are in the WNBA Finals and have a real shot of winning the title without one.
Now, as the Valkyries vie for the title in only their second year of existence, the question of whether or not they still need that true no. 1 option remains.
Upgrade You?
In my piece, I argued that while the Valkyries create their offense and shot profile through spacing, ball movement and dribble handoffs, they lack a reliable source of paint pressure and individual shot creation, The lack was apparent in the regular season-finishing 14th in points per game (82.2), last in points in the paint (31.0), 11th in clutch points per game (8.9) .
The ‘Valks are a perimeter driven team. So when opposing defenses take away the perimeter, they struggle in creating opportunities in the paint and I suggested a guard who can do so–A guard who can bend defenses to her will can open up more opportunities in the system and force defenses to decide what to concede.
A title wouldn’t necessarily negate the need for improvement in this area. While premium spacing and ball movement works for the Valkyries, a player that can create when the actions stall and create in the paint will give their offense a fresh and sharper dimension as the field improves.
If It Ain’t Broke….
Golden State’s calling card for the season and the postseason up to this point has been their defense. While ‘Valkatraz’ powered Golden State to the Finals, it’s been their offense in the clutch that’s the most surprising.
The Valkyries outscored opponents by six points in 26 clutch minutes and are tied for second with a 3-1 record in post season games featuring “clutch time” scenarios. Forward Gabby Williams leads the league in total playoff clutch scoring with 25 points at a 41.1 percent usage rate.
Williams was a target of the ‘Valks during the offseason for her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Her versatile perimeter defense pressures guards and wings to the point where even imitating the offense for opponents is a challenge. Her disruption creates opportunities in transition.
Offensively, Williams is proving that she can score with the game tightens, which was my concern for Golden State in July.
An upgrade to the roster could look like adding players who can maximize and complement Williams’ skill set, and that doesn’t necessarily mean making a big splash in free agency.
Golden State’s foundation of perimeter-based offense and suffocating defense got them to the finals in their second year of existence. While adding a star and another offensive option is a logical step, it doesn’t guarantee postseason success. In some cases, it could disrupt continuity, especially if the addition isn’t the right fit.
The Valkyries have a penchant of making lies out of basketball truths.Their place in 2026 WNBA Finals is the clearest example. This offseason, the challenge isn’t simply deciding whether they need a “star” It’s determining whether the star they need is already in Ballhalla.
