Now that the WNBA season is over halfway completed, many players are starting to position themselves as frontrunners for seasonal awards.
Napheesa Collier is the favorite to win the MVP award, and Paige Bueckers will likely claim Rookie of the Year, but who will win the Most Improved Player award? MIP has always been more controversial than other awards, both in the WNBA and the NBA.
But this year’s might be a runaway. With the season point guard Veronica Burton is having right now, there’s a strong chance that she’ll be the one who receives the honor.
Burton’s Promising College Career
Before entering the WNBA, Burton earned her respect at the collegiate level.
Throughout her four years at Northwestern University, she established herself as a highly decorated and top college player, averaging 13.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 3.4 steals, and 0.6 blocks. While she had many great moments for the Wildcats, including winning a Big Ten championship in 2020, her 2021-22 senior season was her best year.
That season, Burton averaged 17.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.4 assists, 4.0 steals, and 0.9 blocks. Her steal average was the highest in the entire NCAA. Her 117 steals total was also the third most in a season in Wildcat history and tied for the seventh most in a season in Big Ten history.
Although the Wildcats didn’t win a championship that year, Burton’s efforts paid off as she was named to the First-Team All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defensive Team. She also won WBCA Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.
Burton left a great mark on women’s college basketball. She ended her career with 394 steals, ranking second all-time in program history and third all-time in Big Ten history. She also finished with 575 assists, ranking third all-time in program history.
Burton Gets a Reality Check
Despite having another year left in college, Burton renounced it and declared for the 2022 draft. In a competitive draft class featuring highly respected prospects, Burton was picked No. 7 overall by the Dallas Wings.
Burton’s first year in the league was rough. Similar to many rookies who enter professional leagues, her opportunities were minimal. Despite playing in every game for the Wings, she averaged 15.2 minutes and only had six starts. She finished the season with averages of 2.6 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.
While Burton got more opportunities during the 2023 season, she wasn’t able to capitalize on them. During the 40 games the Wings played that year, she was granted 13 starts. However, she again only averaged a measly 2.4 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game.
A Blessing in Disguise
After two years with the Wings and mediocre performances, Burton was waived on May 12, 2024. However, on Jun. 5, 2024, the Connecticut Sun signed her to a “rest of season” contract.
In the 31 games she played in Connecticut, she averaged 3.1 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. Although her numbers were unattractive, Burton benefited from playing with the Sun. Because she came into the league with a defensive mindset, she was able to showcase it on a team that prioritized strong defense.
Burton also improved her shot-making skills. During the season, she shot 36.1% from the field and 35.1% from the three-point line, both career-highs for her. Aside from the statistics, she equipped a quicker shot release and the ability to finish around the rim.
A Much-Needed Fresh Start
While Burton’s contract with the Sun expired at the end of last year, she didn’t have to worry about another offer. The Golden State Valkyries, the newest team established through the league expansion process, drafted her with their third pick in the 2025 Expansion Draft.
Even though she is on a one-year contract with the Valkyries, she’s making the most of her new opportunity.
For the first time in her career, Burton is a permanent starter. She’s started in all of Golden State’s 22 games. As a result, she is showcasing her skills at a high level and logging career numbers. She is averaging 10.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, a team-high 5.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
With the extended freedom Burton has been granted, she’s also been able to put together multiple games that feel reminiscent of her college days.
Her biggest moment came on May 21 during a victory against the Washington Mystics. In that game, Burton recorded a career-high 22 points, along with nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals. On July 9, she recorded 21 points and a career-high five 3-pointers during a victory against the Indiana Fever.
Burton has also been able to showcase her playmaking skills. On Jun. 7, she recorded her first career double-double as she had 14 points and a career-high 12 assists during a victory against the Las Vegas Aces.
Considering that Burton’s contract with Golden State is expiring, it’s uncertain exactly what the future holds for her. Nevertheless, winning the Most Improved Player award would be a huge positive step, encapsulating her newfound peak as a player.
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