With several players returning from EuroBasket, the Golden State Valkyries had to make some tough decisions. Most fans were prepared for some heartbreaking cuts, knowing that the players the Valkyries signed to make up for the absences of many of their European players were likely temporary. However, few were surprised to see the Valkyries cut Belgian guard Julie Vanloo.
The Valkyries selected Vanloo in the expansion draft, picking her off the Washington Mystics’ roster. Vanloo made the Valkyries’ initial roster and played significant minutes for the team whenever she was available. Nevertheless, the Valkyries decided to let her go, presumably keeping rookie Kaitlyn Chen in her place.
While the Valkyries’ decision to waive Vanloo was surprising, fans and players were most shocked by the way it was handled. After winning a gold medal with her national team, Vanloo rushed back to the U.S. to rejoin the Valkyries, foregoing the celebrations and a meeting with the Belgian king.
Vanloo’s fellow Belgian national and EuroBasket MVP Emma Meesseman voiced what many fans—and likely a heartbroken Vanloo—were thinking. Meesseman commented on the Valkyries’ Instagram post that announced they had waived Vanloo.
“Nah…making her miss a unique moment in 🇧🇪 is crazy 🙅🏻♀️,” the Belgian star wrote.
Julie Vanloo was solid for the Valkyries
Over nine games with the Valkyries, Vanloo averaged 4.6 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 20 minutes per game. Her numbers didn’t jump off the page, but she was solid as the team’s backup point guard. She immediately won over many fans with some big threes in the Valkyries’ season opener. Fans jokingly referred to her as the Belgian Steph Curry. Vanloo also had a few quiet scoring games, though, and turned the ball over frequently to start the season.
The Valkyries could have handled the situation better
Ultimately, the decision to waive Vanloo might have been more about the Valkyries’ future than anything else. Vanloo is already 32 and more or less a finished product. Kaitlyn Chen, on the other hand, is a young talent who fits the Valkyries’ style perfectly. If she is developed within Golden State’s system, Chen could turn out to be a very capable role player in the Bay Area. She showed plenty of flashes during her recent games. The Valkyries likely want to develop their young players rather than trying to squeeze Vanloo into an already stacked guard rotation.
Nevertheless, the Valkyries could have handled the situation better, either waiving Vanloo earlier so she could stay in Belgium and enjoy her EuroBasket success, or later. If Vanloo wants to find another WNBA spot, she should have options. The Chicago Sky, for example, could use another playmaker.