Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun is averaging 13.1 points per game in just 22.3 minutes of court time this WNBA season, making her one of the most impactful bench players in the league.
Salaun's impressive stats are a testament to her hard work and dedication to the game. After going undrafted in 2021, she earned a training camp contract with Golden State in 2025, following her performance in the 2024 Olympics. This season, she has developed into one of the most important pieces of the Valkyries' foundation.
Salaun's greatest value off the bench is her scoring ability. She is shooting 42.6% from the field and 39.8% from three-point range, making her one of the most dangerous shooters in the league. Her ability to space the floor and catch fire from beyond the arc has been invaluable for a team that relies heavily on perimeter shooting.
On July 8, Salaun delivered a standout performance, scoring a game-high 26 points while shooting 70% from the field and going 5-of-6 from three-point range. Her production becomes even more impressive considering it has come entirely in a reserve role. Reliable instant offense is difficult to find, but Salaun has provided it consistently throughout the season.
Salaun has also shown she can completely change the momentum of a game. On Aug. 8, the Valkyries took a 92-81 win over the Toronto Tempo, and Salaun served as the biggest factor. While she finished with 21 points, it was her second-half performance that made the difference.
Trailing 42-41 at halftime, Salaun scored 13 points in just 10 second-half minutes to help lift the Valkyries to victory. Golden State's success this season hasn't been driven by its starters alone. Salaun has become the driving force behind one of the WNBA's most productive second units, providing consistent scoring, shooting, and energy.
That level of consistency and impact is exactly why Salaun deserves serious consideration for the WNBA's Sixth Player of the Year award. With her impressive stats and clutch performances, Salaun is making a strong case for the award, and it will be interesting to see if she can maintain her level of play throughout the remainder of the season.
Source: Yahoo Sports