Valkyries' Janelle Salaun Wins 2026 WNBA Sixth Player Award, Full Voting Results

Golden State Valkyries forward Janelle Salaün was the unanimous pick for Sixth Player of the Year after setting multiple records off the bench.

Salaün averaged 12.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 40 appearances. She had the most points (509) and made three-pointers (93) in a single season for a reserve player.

The 25-year-old was a regular starter for Golden State in its inaugural season, and she proved her value as the team went on to make the playoffs. The frontcourt grew a little more crowded, though, with the offseason additions of Gabby Williams and Kiah Stokes.

To accommodate the two vets, Salaün moved into a bench role and made a seamless transition. Her scoring average improved despite playing fewer minutes, and she was a more efficient shooter (42.5 percent overall and 39.2 percent on three-pointers).

"Whether she starts or she comes off the bench, it doesn't matter," coach Natalie Nakase told Marisa Ingemi of The IX Sports. "I'm still gonna have a fighter who wants to kill the other opponent, and she'll exhaust her minutes."

Williams, a two-time All-Star and the runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year, probably gets the most credit of any Valkyries player for their nine-win improvement.

Salaün is more indicative of why Golden State has been so successful in its first two years. The franchise has made a point to target international players, and the coaching staff has maximized the talent at its disposal.

Some might've scoffed at team governor Joe Lacob's goal of winning a championship within five years. It doesn't look so outlandish now.