Valkyries Swoop Down To Select Liberty’s Kayla Thornton In Inaugural WNBA Expansion Draft

A New Chapter Begins

The Las Vegas Valkyries made history on February 1st, 2024, as they selected Liberty’s Kayla Thornton with the first overall pick in the inaugural WNBA Expansion Draft. The Valkyries, who will begin play in the 2024 season, were granted the right to select one player from each of the existing 12 WNBA teams. The expansion draft was a historic moment for the WNBA, marking the first time a new team had entered the league since 2010.

A Dynamic Talent

Kayla Thornton is a 25-year-old forward who was drafted by the Liberty with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. In her three seasons with the Liberty, Thornton has averaged 10.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. She is a versatile player who can score inside and out, and she is also a strong defender. Thornton was a key member of the Liberty’s 2023 playoff team, and she is expected to play a major role for the Valkyries in their inaugural season.

The Impact of the Expansion Draft

The expansion draft had a significant impact on the WNBA landscape. Several teams lost key players, including the Liberty, who lost Thornton, and the Minnesota Lynx, who lost forward Napheesa Collier to the Valkyries. However, the expansion draft also gave some teams the opportunity to add talented players who may not have been getting enough playing time on their previous teams. The Dallas Wings, for example, selected forward Satou Sabally from the New York Liberty, and the Atlanta Dream selected guard Aari McDonald from the Indiana Fever.

Different Perspectives

The expansion draft was met with mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some fans were disappointed to see their favorite players leave their teams, while others were excited about the potential for new rivalries and storylines. Analysts generally agreed that the expansion draft would have a major impact on the WNBA, but they differed on how significant the impact would be. Some analysts believe that the expansion draft will help to level the playing field in the WNBA, while others believe that it will only widen the gap between the top teams and the bottom teams.

Conclusion

The inaugural WNBA Expansion Draft was a historic event that marked the beginning of a new chapter for the league. The Las Vegas Valkyries made a bold move by selecting Kayla Thornton with the first overall pick, and the expansion draft had a significant impact on the WNBA landscape. Only time will tell how the expansion draft will ultimately affect the league, but it is clear that it has the potential to be a major force in shaping the future of the WNBA.

Implications for the Future

The WNBA Expansion Draft has several implications for the future of the league. First, it shows that the WNBA is committed to expansion and growth. The league is now up to 14 teams, and there is the potential for even more expansion in the future. Second, the expansion draft gives new teams the opportunity to be competitive right away. The Valkyries, for example, have a strong roster that could compete for a playoff spot in their inaugural season. Third, the expansion draft helps to create new rivalries and storylines. The Valkyries will now face off against the Liberty, their former team, twice a year. These rivalries will add excitement to the WNBA and help to grow the league’s fan base.