SAN FRANCISCO – Veronica Burton is many things for the Valkyries.
She is the reliable point guard who has started every game this season. The team’s emotional leader. The versatile playmaker who leads the team in almost every significant statistical category.
If Valkyries coaches and players get their wish, Burton, who has started all 39 games this season, will also be recognized as the WNBA’s Most Improved Player.
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) takes a shot against the Indiana Fever in the first quarter at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
It would – or will – be a well-deserved award for a player who was, a year ago, an anonymous reserve in Connecticut.
But with the kind of tear the Northwestern product has been on since the All-Star break, it is fair to ask: Does just calling her “most improved” sell her short as she leads the expansion team to a stunning run to the playoffs?
Shouldn’t Burton also be in the running for one of the 10 coveted All-WNBA slots, awarded to the best players in the league?
The competition for a spot on the team will be stiff.
Seven superstars – A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas, Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix, Napheesa Collier of Minnesota, Nneka Ogwumike of Seattle, Allisha Gray of Atlanta and New York’s Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu – are mortal locks to make the team.
And then, among guards, Burton is competing with the likes of Wings rookie sensation Paige Bueckers (18,9 points, 5.3 assists per game), Sparks star Kelsey Plum (20.1 ppg), Minnesota’s Courtney Williams (13.9 ppg, 6.3 apg) and Seattle’s Skylar Diggins (15.7 ppg, 6.0 apg), all players with more impressive raw statistics.
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) dribbles against the Phoenix Mercury in the first quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 19, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)
But even with all of those factors working against Burton, should the Valkyries’ floor general still be in the running for an All-WNBA spot?
“Hell yeah,” Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase said, adding, “She’s not just improved, she should be All-WNBA with the numbers she’s putting up.”
After all, none of those other players are carrying an expansion team, one expected to reside in the cellar.
And, for those who are mathematically inclined, her numbers are still eye-catching.
Burton is still averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5.8 assists, and leads the team in almost every major statistical category. That also includes blocks (25), a staggering total for a 5-foot-9 guard.
“She doesn’t stop fighting. When she gets hit, she bounces back up,” Nakase said. “I’m definitely on board with her being all-WNBA. She deserves it.”
Golden State Valkyries Head Coach Natalie Nakase speaks to Veronica Burton on the sidelines in the second half against the Seattle Storm at the Chase Center in San Francisco, CA on Saturday, June 14, 2025. (Don Feria for Bay Area News Group)
As the starting lineup began to operate like a revolving door because of EuroBasket assignments, and remained so with injuries to other players, Burton has remained a steady presence, always making the correct decision at the top of the floor and on drives.
Her biggest games include a cool 30 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a victory at Washington. A stellar 24-point, 14-assist output against Phoenix. An epic 25-point, 13-rebound, four-block performance against Dallas.
Her impressive statistics are not just a product of raw volume either.
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Since the All-Star break, Burton is shooting 44.4% from the field, 40.2% from behind the arc and 92.8% from the free-throw line.
“I’ve had a coaching staff and teammates that instill a lot of confidence in me, and that goes a long way in terms of success on court, and so just a lot of work and repetition,” Burton told the Bay Area News Group earlier this season. “But also just opportunity and trust as well.”
Burton has earned the trust of her teammates and made the most of her opportunity.
She isn’t just a feel-good story anymore. Veronica Burton is one of the best players in the league.
Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (22) and Phoenix’s Kahleah Copper (2) struggle for a loose ball in the fourth quarter of a WNBA game at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, May 19, 2025. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)