The toughest phase of training camp arrived for the Golden State Valkyries, with roster cuts looming. Head coach Natalie Nakase faced difficult decisions before making her final calls on who would stay and who would go.

At Saturday’s practice, before roster cuts were announced, Kenzo Fukuda shared a clip on X asking how she manages bubble players. Nakase said it is a tough but necessary part of this time of year.

“I’m just going to be honest. Everyone has been just impressive, like impressive from top to bottom — learning, wanting to be here, challenging each other every single day,” she said two hours before the team announced its cuts.

“So it’s definitely going to be a hard decision, but at the end of the day, we got to pick the best 14 that fit together. And yeah, it’s going to be tough. It’s really tough,” she added.

The roster decision became more complicated during the preseason as the Golden State Valkyries got their international players back.

And with only 12 roster spots available, plus two developmental slots, the team was forced to make choices.

In the end, those decisions led to rookies Marta Suárez and Ashlon Jackson being among the players released. Suárez, in particular, had been part of a draft-night trade that sent Flau'jae Johnson to the Seattle Storm.

Both players appeared in the team's preseason game, but the move suggests Golden State is leaning toward experience and continuity this season rather than focusing on development.

Along with them, the team also waived center Mariella Fasoula, forward Cate Reese, and guards Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda and Miela Sowah. The WNBA regular season begins in less than a week.

Though these roster cuts seem early, some players may still get a chance to stay around the Golden State Valkyries.

Golden State Valkyries Keep the Door Open for Cut Players With New CBA Rule

With two new developmental roster spots added in the latest CBA, the Golden State Valkyries can bring some players back once they clear waivers.

Players on developmental contracts can practice, train, and travel with the team, but they can only appear in 12 games.

Nakase has spoken positively about both players, leaving open the possibility of developmental contracts. They could benefit from staying in the system.

Having said that, do you think Natalie Nakase made the right call prioritizing experience over rookies like Marta Suárez and Ashlon Jackson for the Golden State Valkyries?

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Written by

Sauramita Debbarma

Edited by

Siddharth Rawat