Kaitlyn Chen was drafted with the thirtieth pick in this year’s draft. As is the norm for most third-round picks, she didn’t make the Valkyries’ initial roster. With the limited number of roster spots in the WNBA, it is difficult for many young players to stick around, especially if they are not given many opportunities to prove their worth. Chen finally got that opportunity.
When several players headed to Europe to play for their national teams, Chen got the call to return to the Valkyries temporarily. She played two games against the Connecticut Sun and New York Liberty before Natalie Nakase gave her the ultimate opportunity to showcase her talent.
Kaitlyn Chen had a career game against the Sky
The Valkyries battled Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in a close game. Nevertheless, coach Nakase trusted Chen to play big minutes in the fourth quarter, leaving starting point guard Veronica Burton on the bench instead. Chen seized the opportunity, showcasing to the entire league that she can contribute to a winning team, even when the pressure is high.
The former UConn guard finished the game with 10 points on 75 percent shooting from the field, two rebounds, and two assists in 25 minutes. It was a career game in every way, and Chen’s contributions helped secure the win.
Chen’s emergence, along with Kayla Thornton’s career-high 29 points, were the main storylines in the Valkyries’ eighth win of the season.
The Valkyries will likely have to cut Chen again
Kaitlyn Chen only got another shot with the Valkyries because several players had to leave the team to compete in EuroBasket. Those players will be back soon, and Chen will likely be cut once again. Her time with the Valkyries has already been valuable, however.
By allowing her to play big minutes and close out a tight game, Natalie Nakase gave Chen a chance to show other teams in the league that she is indeed a very capable player. That can go a long way for a player trying to find her footing in the WNBA. It may lead to other hardship contracts or a roster spot in the future.
The road to a spot in the WNBA isn’t always easy. And yet, being cut early in your career doesn’t have to be the end. The Phoenix Mercury, for example, feature a few rookies who took the long road, playing overseas for a few seasons before finding success in the WNBA.