The Valkyries will get a massive boost in mid-July. Iliana Rupert, their expansion draft pick from the Atlanta Dream, will finally join the team after a good EuroLeague season and impressive play during EuroBasket. The French big will add a whole new dimension to the Valkyries’ rotation and may be just the player they need to be seen as a more serious playoff threat.
However, the news about Rupert also means that the Valkyries must create a roster spot for her. The Valkyries already have twelve players on the roster. Golden State fans already had to endure a lot of cuts this season, including Julie Vanloo, who was waived in a controversial move after playing for the Belgian national team in EuroBasket.
Now, another player will have to be waived.
The Valkyries may have to cut another fan favorite
The Valkyries quickly amassed a sizeable fanbase. Those fans quickly got attached to a handful of players, including Kaitlyn Chen and Laeticia Amihere. Both were with the Valkyries during training camp but didn’t make the initial roster. Then, they re-signed with the team when several players went to Europe to play for their national teams.
Both Chen and Amihere are still on the roster, but one might end up getting cut to create room for Rupert. As the only two players still on the roster who joined the team late, they are the most obvious candidates.
Amihere has been effective for the Valkyries on both ends of the floor, putting points on the scoreboard and protecting the rim. Nevertheless, she got a DNP Coach’s Decision against the Minnesota Lynx. Not seeing Amihere on the court could be a sign that the Valkyries are considering cutting her. If that is the case, Amihere could find a new home with the Indiana Fever, who can still sign another player on a cheap contract after waiving DeWanna Bonner.
Chen did play against the Lynx but for only four minutes. She mostly earned a spot in the Valkyries’ guard rotation because Carla Leite is out with a back injury. When she comes back, there won’t be many minutes available for another guard. Veronica Burton, Tiffany Hayes, and Carla Leite are the Valkyries’ main guards.
While the Valkyries already have a good guard rotation, they are adding another forward with Rupert. So, cutting one of their bigs would make sense in terms of roster balance.
At the same time, however, the Valkyries have not been afraid to make surprising roster moves. Waiving Julie Vanloo proved that. It may be unlikely, but there is still a chance that Chen and Amihere will both keep their spots with the Valkyries.