Janelle Salaün's rise to prominence in the WNBA is a testament to the league's draft process and the potential for hidden gems to be overlooked. Her current success with the Golden State Valkyries, marked by impressive statistics and a historic playoff appearance, highlights a mistake made by WNBA teams five years ago. Salaün, who was draft-eligible in 2021, was not selected, a decision that now appears shortsighted given her current performance and the fate of other 2021 draft picks.
The 2021 WNBA draft, which selected 36 players, resulted in only nine players currently playing in the league. This low retention rate is concerning, especially considering the limited number of spots available. The only lottery pick from that year, Awak Kuier, has had a tumultuous journey, rejoining the Dallas Wings after a few years of sitting out the W season and developing in Europe. Michaela Onyenwere and Iliana Rupert are the only other first-round picks on a roster this season, with Rupert not playing due to pregnancy.
Among the second-round picks, Dana Evans, Natasha Mack, and DiJonai Carrington have carved out roles, and Raquel Carrera made her debut with the New York Liberty. Maya Caldwell, a third-round pick, has become a valuable backup player for the Minnesota Lynx, a team that comfortably sits atop the standings. Marine Fauthoux, another third-round pick, made her debut as a development player for the Liberty.
Salaün's story is particularly intriguing. She signed her first pro contract in 2018-19 and played sparingly before a breakout year with Villeneuve d'Ascq in 2021-22. Her performance with the Valkyries this season, with 14.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, and a 40.2% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, suggests that her potential was not fully recognized by WNBA teams in 2021. The fact that she is still younger and has more room to develop makes her a player to watch in the future.
The 2021 draft's poor retention rate and the missed opportunity with Salaün raise questions about the draft process and the potential for teams to overlook talented players. The WNBA's challenge is to identify and nurture talent effectively, ensuring that the league continues to grow and thrive. As Salaün continues to shine, the league and its teams must reflect on their decision-making processes to avoid repeating similar mistakes in the future.
