The 2024 WNBA Draft had an incredibly deep first round that already produced two All-Stars—Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark—and several stars in the making, such as Cameron Brink, Aaliyah Edwards, and Rickea Jackson. Due to that star power, it was somewhat surprising when Kate Martin, a second-round pick, claimed the hearts of many fans.
Martin was drafted 18th overall by the Las Vegas Aces and made the roster despite the Aces’ championship aspirations. She played little, but when she did, Martin showed flashes of her potential. In a bigger role, it seemed, Martin could become the ultimate role player—someone who plays defense, spaces the floor, and does all the little things.
As a result, fans were ecstatic to see her go to the Golden State Valkyries in the expansion draft. With the league’s newest franchise, Martin will undoubtedly get a chance to shine, and the Valkyries landed a beloved player. The consensus is that the Aces will soon regret letting go of Martin.
Rachel Galligan’s 2024 redraft for Bleacher Report further proves that the Valkyries got a steal in the expansion draft.
Kate Martin rises significantly in 2024 redraft
Kate Martin is one of only five 2024 second-round picks to appear in a WNBA game last season. The other four are Nika Mühl, Celeste Taylor, Dyaisha Fair, and Jessika Carter. Martin, however, is the only one of those players who rose significantly in Bleacher Report’s 2024 redraft.
The top of the redraft did not change. Caitlin Clark, Cameron Brink, Kamilla Cardoso, and Rickea Jackson remained the top four draft picks in the class. Angel Reese jumped from seventh to fifth, replacing Jacy Sheldon and upsetting the order of the rest of the first round. Aaliyah Edwards remained the sixth pick, Alissa Pili moved up to seventh, and Sheldon fell to eighth. Moreover, Carla Leite, Leila Lacan, and Marquisha Davis all moved down one spot, closing out the first round as the last three picks.
Kate Martin jumped to the ninth overall pick, landing with the Dallas Wings. That is a massive improvement and speaks to the potential Martin has shown in her first WNBA season and Unrivaled.
It also underlines how fortunate the Valkyries were that Martin was available in the expansion draft. They managed to pick up the one second-round pick who has shown so far that she is ready to contribute consistently. While the Aces may regret leaving Martin unprotected down the line, they did her a favor. With the Valkyries, Martin will have a better chance to develop and establish herself as a reliable role player.