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Brother surprises sister with WNBA Sixth Player Award
5 Oct
Summary
- Janelle Salaun named first unanimous WNBA Sixth Player of the Year.
- She set records for most points and 3-pointers off the bench.
- Her brother, NBA player Tidjane Salaun, delivered the news.
Sunday marked a significant moment for Janelle Salaun of the Golden State Valkyries, as she received the WNBA Sixth Player of the Year award, becoming the first unanimous recipient in league history. Her younger brother, Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun, shared in her excitement by surprising her with the news via a FaceTime call. The call captured Salaun being congratulated by her teammates in the locker room.
During the 2026 regular season, Salaun delivered an exceptional performance for the Valkyries, averaging 12.7 points, four rebounds, and 1.2 assists. She also achieved career-best shooting percentages, hitting 42.5% from the field and 39.2% from beyond the arc. Notably, she set franchise records for both points scored (509) and three-pointers made (93) while coming off the bench. As of early October 2026, Salaun and the Valkyries are actively engaged in the WNBA Semifinals, holding a 1-0 series lead against the Las Vegas Aces.
Tidjane Salaun, the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is currently preparing for his third season in the league. He recently concluded training camp with the Hornets in Charleston, South Carolina. Across 97 career appearances, the French player has averaged 5.9 points, 4.4 rebounds, and one assist.
