Joining the reigning champions as a rookie is never easy. Teams looking to win at the highest level rarely have many developmental minutes available for young players, and when they get on the court, the pressure to perform well is high. Kate Martin experienced that first-hand when she joined the Las Vegas Aces in 2024.
Martin appeared in 34 games but only averaged 2.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game. In the playoffs, she only played three total minutes against the New York Liberty.
Her second season in the WNBA might look very different. Rather than playing for a contender, Martin will suit up for the league’s newest franchise. The Golden State Valkyries selected her in the expansion draft in December, and she is expected to play a much bigger role than she got to with the Aces.
After all, the Valkyries did not land any big stars this offseason and will likely want to focus on developing Martin and their other young players. Martin is working hard to prove that she deserves a bigger role.
Kate Martin has been making a case for an increased role in the WNBA this offseason
Like many other WNBA players, Kate Martin is playing in Unrivaled this offseason. Despite being the youngest player on a veteran-heavy Laces team, Martin has used the opportunity to advocate for a bigger role in her second WNBA season.
Martin has been solid off the bench, averaging 7.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game. Her numbers may not jump off the page, but Martin is doing a little bit of everything, battling on defense, fighting on the boards, and taking open shots.
It has been a chance for Martin to reiterate her potential as the ultimate role player and someone the Valkyries should want to develop. She is not the only player eying a significant role with the Valkyries, however. So, it is a good thing that Martin still has at least six games left to solidify her case.
Unrivaled’s inaugural season is drawing to a close, but the Laces still have six regular season games left and may also advance to the semifinals and potentially the finals after that. The Laces are currently second in the league with a 5-3 record behind only the undefeated Lunar Owls.
Martin missed her team’s last game with a leg injury but should hopefully be back on the court for the next contest. The Laces have been dealing with injuries all season long and desperately need to get players healthy.