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Sixth Player Standout: Salaün Leads WNBA Bench Power
15 Sep
Summary
- Janelle Salaün is a strong contender for Sixth Player of the Year.
- Sophie Cunningham excels as an energetic scorer off the bench.
- Zia Cooke shows promise as a fast, crafty guard for the Storm.
Janelle Salaün of the Golden State Valkyries has emerged as a leading candidate for the Sixth Player of the Year award. Coming off the bench for all 38 games she has played, Salaün is averaging 12.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Her impressive shooting, with a team-high 6.1 three-point attempts at a 39.7 percent clip, has significantly contributed to the Valkyries holding the second-best record in the league.
Other notable players are making a case for the award. Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever brings energy and scores efficiently, particularly from three-point range (43.4 percent) and at the rim (71.4 percent). Her disruptive playing style makes her a valuable asset for the Fever.
Zia Cooke of the Seattle Storm is also gaining consideration. While not yet a key player on a playoff team, Cooke is experiencing her best basketball, averaging 7.6 points. Her speed, crafty handles, and ability to elevate the Storm's pace make her a valuable, albeit developing, talent for the future.
