The Golden State Valkyries made a move on Monday, releasing Elizabeth Kitley before she completed the seven days on her contract. It was a transaction that they needed to make because they were only allowed to sign her after they were granted the ability to bring in another player due to their injuries. Cecilia Zandalasini is now expected to be available for their game in Seattle on Tuesday after not even traveling for the last road trip so that left the team no longer being qualified for that exception.
Next Destinations for Kitley
Liz Kitley did not end up making an appearance for the Valkyries in her time with the team, but did get the contract and was a part of the celebrations for the official clinching of a playoff spot. Since her contract was the result of a hardship, she was always going to end her time with the team as a completely unrestricted free agent, which is why she was released and not waived. She does reportedly have plans to play overseas before trying to get another chance in the WNBA, announcing that she is headed to China later this year for a team that has not been revealed yet and we plan to cover any games that she plays in our upcoming weekly columns.
The Return of Zandalasini
The Valkyries have had the flexibility to sign additional players all season long and generally gotten contributions from them during their time with the team, but with the playoffs approaching, it is a good time to get healthier and try out rotations that might be used in those games. Even though Cecilia Zandalasini is second in the league in three-point percentage behind Iliana Rupert, the team is still stuck in 11th place overall with neither player being available for the whole season. They have only played in ten games together and it will be a big help to have at least one elite threat from distance on the court at all times and to play them together at times.
Zandalasini has been used in multiple ways over the course of the season defensively, but getting healthier should also help reduce the need for her to take tougher assignments. With Monique Billings returning recently, being able to have her, Rupert, and Temi Fagbenle be the post rotation in the playoffs should limit the times that Zandalasini is playing power forward in smallball lineups. Having her on the wing spots should allow them to match some of the taller lineups that they might face in the playoffs depending on who ends up being their first opponent.
Leave a Reply