It is not fresh news that Paige Bueckers is projected as the number one pick in the 2025 WNBA draft, and all the teams have their eyes on her. However, when the WNBA lottery pick happened yesterday, the Dallas Wings got the chance to secure the top player. This meant that the expansion franchise Golden State Valkyries wouldn’t have their hand on the NCAA’s NPOY contender. While the Valkyries fans might feel that lack of experience might take them down when battling the giants, it looks as if the franchise has another plan for their conquest.

On Sunday’s episode of The Pick Up, Cathryn Naiker and Freddie Rivas discussed what alternate path the Valkyries could take to build a strong lineup.

“Yeah, I think Kate Martin’s gonna become a Valkyrie,” Naiker stated. Nodding to the same line of thought, Rivas said, “She might… she might. Kate Martin’s a great example of being done being like okay.”

“Yeah, you’re young. You’re good. You don’t get enough minutes. Let’s go,” Naiker enunciated. “Like how awesome it is gonna feel if you’re one of these players where you’re not protected or whatever on court and then Golden States’ like ‘No, no. We understand how good you are.’ You’re all like… It’s gonna be a team of like super appreciative players.” Rivas expounded.

Unfortunately, when on Sunday, the WNBA draft lottery was held, the Dallas Wings got the top spot. Next in line was the LA Sparks, then at the third were the Chicago Sky, and the list finally concluded with the Washington Mystics. The Valkyries, on the other hand, will get the chance to pick the fifth pick in each round. Now, it is really difficult for them to land Bueckers. However, Kate Martin might be a good pick.

Martin was drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Aces during last year’s W draft. While Martin played 34 games, she started in only 2 of them and had a paltry 2.6 points per game. But in a paradoxical fashion, she had the fourth most merchandise sales for the Aces. Hence, surely, she has a good fan following. Plus, despite her ordinary performances in the W, she was selected to ply her trade in the inaugural season of the Unrivaled. Speaks a lot about her caliber.

Plus, the reserved Aces athlete might not be the prime star next season since Megan Gustafson will be making a return after an injury. All this adds to the chances of the Valkyries picking her up for her fan base and potential. Meanwhile, the San Francisco-based franchise is already doing its part.

Golden State Valkyries are prepping up their first season

When the Valkyries had announced their name, logo, and team color, Bueckers had praised them. Next, the Huskies star was seen dressed in a lavender coat at ESPYs which resembled the purple colorway of the Golden State franchise. This further fueled the rumors that the Huskies star might join the expansion franchise.

She also got featured in a Gatorade ad that had a purple sweat. Furthermore, the NCAA star attended A Touch More podcast in the same building where the Valkyries hosted an event. However, all those hopes have now come to an end. But it’s not time for the fans to repent.

Whether they take Martin or not, the Valkyries have already recruited the Las Vegas Aces assistant coach Natalie Nakase as the head coach. Nakase comes with a rich experience of taking the Aces to a consecutive Championship title run during her short three-year tenure. “I’m going to be a truth-teller. I’m going to be a pusher,” the first HC of the Bay Area-based franchise revealed in a post on X.

Hopefully, the Valkyries will be able to get over the loss of not recruiting Bueckers and may replenish it by giving a chance to underdog players who have the potential to build a formidable team.