2026 WNBA Draft: Who Should the Valkyries Take? | Podhalla

·1 hr·5 clips

The Valkyries extended qualifying offers to key players as they await a potential all-star free agent signing.

The episode begins with hosts Brad Evans and Garrett Gonzales introducing the pre-WNBA draft and free agency focus for the Golden State Valkyries. They mention reserved qualifying offers for players like Veronica Burton and Caitlin Chin, setting the stage for offseason moves. The hosts speculate on the Valkyries signing an all-star caliber free agent, citing the team's top facilities as a draw. They then shift to league news, discussing the Angel Reese trade to Atlanta and criticizing the Chicago Sky's front office decisions. Guest Conrado Pasquale joins to talk about the draft, explaining his big board with Azzi Fudd as the top prospect due to her shooting and versatility. He compares Fudd to Awa Fam and addresses why Fudd might be dropping in some mock drafts post-tournament. The conversation moves to Valkyries-specific topics, including questions from the Discord community. Pasquale suggests players like Iana Martin or Nell and Gloma as upside picks for the Valkyries at number eight. The hosts and guest analyze team weaknesses, emphasizing the need for shot creation, three-point shooting, and a true interior presence. They discuss potential free agent targets such as Kalia Copper, Satu Sabally, Ezi Magbegor, and Shakira Austin. The episode explores the possibility of the Valkyries trading up in the draft for a player like Azzi Fudd if she falls. They also touch on Kayla Thornton's reintegration after injury and her role as a closer. Predictions for the Valkyries' eighth pick include Taniya Latson for her rim pressure or UCLA guards like Gabriella Hakez. The episode concludes with Pasquale sharing where to find his work and excitement for the upcoming Valkyries season.

As heard by us

A grounded Valkyries draft discussion built around upside, roster fit, and Iana Martin.

PlayNext catches the Valkyries in a useful stretch of uncertainty, with free agency news still pending, mock drafts shifting, and one practical question driving the conversation: what kind of upside should matter when their pick comes up.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want the Valkyries' draft question while the mocks are still moving.

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