Veronica Burton is absolutely torching the WNBA right now, not just with her insane defensive game, but by showing up as the second-most valuable player in the entire league, according to Databallr’s proprietary VPM statistic! Yeah, you read that right. Burton is right behind MVP favorite A’ja Wilson. That’s not just buzz, that’s a statement, and it tells you everything you need to know about what this former expansion draft gem is bringing to the Golden State Valkyries this season.
Veronica Burton Is Beyond Just Defensive Player of the Year
Forget the chatter about Defensive Player of the Year, though that’s absolutely warranted. Burton has leveled up in a way that demands MVP consideration. This isn’t the same player the Connecticut Sun left unprotected in 2024, the one who then came to the Valkyries and snagged Most Improved Player honors while stunning everyone by leading Golden State to the playoffs. No way! This year, she is dropping a career-best 12.3 points per game, and she’s draining threes at a blistering career-best 36.3 percent clip. She is not just a defensive menace; her offensive game has clearly expanded. When she is on the court, the Valkyries allow a stingy 101.8 points per 100 possessions, which is wild. She’s seventh in the WNBA in defensive rating, and with a personal defensive rating of 96.7 and 1.9 steals plus blocks per game, she’s the key cog in the WNBA’s top-ranked scoring defense. How can you look at that and not see an MVP candidate?
The Stat That Puts Burton In The MVP Conversation
Seriously, the raw stats are one thing, but Databallr’s proprietary VPM statistic is dropping bombs on the MVP conversation. This VPM stat is designed to quantify a player’s net impact on the scoring margin per 100 possessions. And get this: Burton’s aggregate ranking is a jaw-dropping plus-4.95. That number puts her above some of the biggest names in the league right now. We’re talking Kelsey Mitchell, who’s fifth, Olivia Miles at sixth, Paige Bueckers in seventh, and even Caitlin Clark sitting at eighth. When you’re measuring value per possession and you’re second only to A’ja Wilson, it’s time for the league to wake up. This isn’t just about DPOY buzz anymore; this is about recognizing the most impactful players, period. Burton isn’t just a great defender, she’s fundamentally changing games on both ends in a way that few others in the WNBA can claim.
The Valkyries are absolutely rolling with a 29-11 record, but they’re still two games behind the Minnesota Lynx for that crucial top seed in the WNBA playoffs. They’re back in action Friday night against the Portland Fire, and you know Burton will be bringing the heat. Imagine if she could lead Golden State to that number one seed. That would be a massive feather in her cap and an undeniable argument for her MVP case. Regardless of how the final standings shake out, Veronica Burton has more than earned her place in the conversation centered on the most impactful and valuable players in the WNBA. She’s a force, and the league needs to pay attention.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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