When it comes to the WNBA, the spotlight often shines brightest on the high-scoring stars, the players who light up the scoreboard and dominate the highlight reels. But what about the players who do the dirty work, the ones who anchor a team’s defense and provide the kind of stability that doesn’t always show up in the box score? That’s where Kiah Stokes comes in, and her move to the Golden State Valkyries this offseason is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated signings in recent memory. Let me explain why.
The Unsung Hero of Defense
Kiah Stokes isn’t going to win any scoring titles. Her career-high in points per game is a modest 2.3, and she’s only cracked double digits once this season. But here’s the thing: the Valkyries didn’t sign her to score. They signed her to defend, and she’s doing it at an elite level. What makes this particularly fascinating is how her presence transforms the entire team’s defensive identity.
With 1.8 blocks per game—second only to A’ja Wilson—Stokes is the rim protector the Valkyries desperately needed. Her ability to patrol the paint allows players like Veronica Burton and Gabby Williams to be more aggressive on the perimeter, knowing they have a safety net behind them. This isn’t just about stats; it’s about the psychological impact on both her teammates and opponents. When you know Stokes is lurking in the paint, you think twice before driving to the basket.
What many people don’t realize is that defense is the foundation of the Valkyries’ success. They have the best defensive rating in the league, and their ability to stifle even the most potent offenses—like the Indiana Fever, who managed just 75 points against them—is a testament to Stokes’s impact. The numbers don’t lie: the Valkyries’ defensive rating drops from 96.6 to 102.4 when she’s off the court. That’s a massive difference, and it underscores just how critical she is to their game plan.
Filling a Void and Elevating the Team
The Valkyries were dealt a tough hand when Iliana Rupert, their projected starting center, had to sit out the 2025 season due to pregnancy. Rupert was supposed to be a breakout star, averaging nearly 10 points per game and shooting 44.2% from three last season. Losing her was a significant blow, but Stokes stepped into the void seamlessly.
From my perspective, this is where Stokes’s value truly shines. She didn’t just fill a role; she elevated it. Her defensive prowess has allowed the Valkyries to thrive despite the loss of Rupert. And while players like Kayla Thornton and Janelle Salaün have done an admirable job in their small-ball roles, it’s Stokes who provides the defensive anchor that makes their system work.
This raises a deeper question: how often do we overlook players like Stokes because their contributions aren’t flashy? In a league that celebrates scoring, her impact is a reminder that defense wins championships. The Valkyries’ second-best record in the league isn’t just a coincidence; it’s a direct result of her ability to shut down the paint and give her team the confidence to play aggressively.
Playoff Experience and the Road Ahead
The Valkyries are a young franchise, but they’re not here to wait their turn. They’ve set a five-year timeline for their first championship, and after making history with a playoff appearance last season, the pressure is on to take the next step. This is where Stokes’s experience becomes invaluable.
As a three-time champion with the Las Vegas Aces, Stokes knows what it takes to win in the postseason. Her presence in the locker room, her understanding of the playoff grind, and her ability to perform under pressure are intangibles that don’t show up in the stats. If the Valkyries want to make a deep playoff run—and they do—Stokes will be at the heart of it.
A detail that I find especially interesting is the matchup implications in the playoffs. If the season ended today, the Valkyries would face the Washington Mystics, a team with a formidable frontcourt featuring Kiki Iriafen, Shakira Austin, and Lauren Betts. Stokes’s ability to neutralize these players will be crucial. And it’s not just the Mystics; teams like Dallas, New York, and Atlanta also boast strong bigs that the Valkyries will need to slow down.
The Bigger Picture
If you take a step back and think about it, Stokes’s signing is emblematic of a larger trend in the WNBA: the growing recognition of the value of role players. For too long, the league has been defined by its superstars, but teams are increasingly understanding that championships are won with balance. The Valkyries’ success this season is a testament to that.
What this really suggests is that the WNBA is evolving. It’s not just about who can score the most points; it’s about who can fill the gaps, who can do the unglamorous work that makes a team great. Stokes is the epitome of that kind of player, and her impact on the Valkyries is a masterclass in the art of team basketball.
Personally, I think we’re going to see more teams prioritize players like Stokes in the future. The league is getting smarter, more strategic, and more competitive. And in that environment, players who can defend, rebound, and provide stability will be worth their weight in gold.
Final Thoughts
Kiah Stokes isn’t going to be the face of the Valkyries. She’s not going to be the player whose jersey is sold in stores or whose name is chanted in the arena. But she is, without a doubt, one of the most important pieces of their puzzle. Her signing was a stroke of genius, and her impact on the team’s success cannot be overstated.
As the Valkyries look to make a playoff run and continue their ascent in the league, Stokes will be right there in the trenches, doing the work that doesn’t always get noticed but is absolutely essential. And that, in my opinion, is what makes her signing so brilliant. It’s a reminder that in basketball, as in life, the unsung heroes often make the biggest difference.
