The Golden State Valkyries have found a unique and powerful strategy in their 'tweeners': Kaila Charles, Kayla Thornton, and Janelle Salaun. These players, who can slide between the three, four, and five positions, have become the backbone of the team's positionless approach. Despite often being undersized, their versatility, adaptability, and ability to defend multiple positions have become defining characteristics of the Valkyries' success.
Charles, Thornton, and Salaun each fill their roles differently. Charles, a defensive specialist, averages 5.9 points per game while carving out a niche as a three-point shooter. Thornton, a traditional power forward, has been asked to play even bigger. Salaun, a perimeter shooter, has shifted between being a perimeter shooter and battling centers in the paint.
The tradeoff has helped create matchup problems for opponents. Against bigger teams, Golden State has countered size with mobility, switching defensively while forcing opposing frontcourts to defend quicker players in space. This strategy has proven effective, as the numbers suggest that Thornton, Salaun, and Charles are plus-8 together in 95 minutes, with Thornton and Charles at plus-47 and Thornton and Salaun at plus-49.
Salaun, in particular, has adapted well to the shift. She is scoring more, shooting more, and turning the ball over less than she did last season, despite playing fewer minutes and coming off the bench. Her rebounding has dipped slightly, but that comes with the challenge of regularly wrestling with bigger post players.
The addition of Gabby Williams has made the Valkyries a more dynamic offensive team, but their identity has been built by players willing to sacrifice traditional roles. For Charles, Thornton, and Salaun, that has meant fewer shots, different assignments, and, in Salaun's case, a move to the bench. The payoff has been a lineup capable of matching up with almost anyone, even when the matchup doesn't look favorable.
In my opinion, the 'tweeners' strategy is a testament to the Valkyries' versatility and adaptability. It's a fascinating approach that challenges traditional roles and positions, and it's one that I think will continue to be a key part of the team's success in the future.
