This WNBA season has featured several impactful bench players who have helped shape their team’s success. However, few have been as consistently impactful as Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaun.
Whether it’s knocking down three-pointers, providing instant offense, or bringing energy on both ends of the floor, Salaun has proven to be a reliable reserve for the Valkyries.
After going undrafted in 2021, Salaun earned a training camp contract with Golden State in 2025 after her performance in the 2024 Olympics. From there, she has developed into one of the most important pieces of the Valkyries’ foundation and is building a compelling case for Sixth Player of the Year.
Salaun Is One of the Most Dangerous Bench Scorers in the League
Salaun’s greatest value off the bench is her scoring ability.
This season, she is averaging 13.1 points while shooting 42.6% from the field in just 22.3 minutes per game. She is also shooting 39.8% from three-point range while averaging 2.5 made three-pointers, making her one of the most dangerous shooters.
Although Salaun has delivered several standout performances, her best one came on July 8. During a win over the Toronto Tempo, she scored 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 Changed Games Off the Bench
Few reserves have influenced winning as consistently as Salaun this season.
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. While the Valkyries have multiple capable shooters, Salaun’s quick release makes her dangerous whenever defenders lose track of her.
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 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.
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