Janelle Salaün's rise in the WNBA is a testament to the league's draft and free agency decisions. Her current success with the Golden State Valkyries, including impressive statistics and a historic playoff appearance, highlights a mistake made by other teams five years ago. Salaün, who was draft-eligible in 2021, was overlooked, and her potential was not recognized until she began to shine with Villeneuve d'Ascq in the 2021-22 season. This oversight is particularly striking given the current performance of her draft class peers.
The 2021 WNBA draft, which selected 36 players, has seen only nine players remain in the league. Of those, only Awak Kuier, a lottery pick, is still playing. The majority of the late picks have managed to stick around, but the early picks have largely disappeared. Michaela Onyenwere and Iliana Rupert are the only other first-round picks on a roster this season, with Rupert not playing due to pregnancy. Second-round picks Dana Evans, Natasha Mack, and DiJonai Carrington have carved out roles, and Raquel Carrera made her debut with the New York Liberty.
Maya Caldwell, a third-round pick, has become a valuable backup player for the Minnesota Lynx, a team that leads the league with a 10-2 record. Marine Fauthoux, another third-round pick, is a development player for the Liberty. In contrast, Salaün, who signed her first pro contract in 2018-19, had a breakout year in 2021-22, and her performance this season with the Valkyries is a clear indication of her talent and potential.
Salaün's success raises questions about the WNBA's draft process and the factors that teams consider when making selections. Her story highlights the importance of recognizing and nurturing talent early on, and it serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most valuable gems are found in unexpected places. As she continues to shine, Salaün's impact on the league and her potential to become a serious threat to Team USA on the international stage are undeniable.
