It's safe to say Kayla Thornton is looking forward to her first season with the Golden State Valkyries, and that's in large part due to how well the team is already being treated by owner Joe Lacob and the front office.
Lacob, who has an estimated net worth of $3 billion, is also the owner of the Golden State Warriors. He's used to winning championships and has been outspoken about his goal of winning a trophy within the Valkyries' first five years. He's also promised the new team unlimited resources in pursuit of that goal, something that Thornton has been especially impressed by.
"When I first came into the league, we had nothing like this," Thornton told the San Francisco Chronicle in an interview published Friday, February 14.
"It’s amazing for women’s sports in general, just the money that’s invested now. What the (league) is capable of doing now, seeing where we came from, it’s tremendous," she continued. "I hope other teams see this, what (the Valkyries) did and put the time in because we deserve it."
Ohemaa Nyanin knew how crucial Thornton was for the Valkyries
Valkyries GM Ohemaa Nyanin, who worked with Thornton at the New York Liberty for five years, already has a good relationship with the 6'1" forward — though that didn't make drafting her from the Liberty any easier. "For me personally, it was the hardest pick because I just came from there," she told the Chronicle.
"And I know the athletes, and I know the connections," she continued. "When Natalie (head coach Natalie Nakase) explained to me the type of athlete that she’s looking for both on and off the court, Kayla is who came to mind. She is a defensive specialist. She has grown her game to be able to shoot the three. She’s a ball of energy. She’s a vet. She knows how to bring people together."
Thornton agreed completely with Nakase's assessment. "One of my key things is defense," she said. "I’m excited about that, along with offense as well. But defense, that’s what I specialize in. So I’m excited that I can come here and kind of teach some of the young players my expertise, and (Nakase) is excited about that as well."
Kayla Thornton trusts Ohemaa Nyanin "with my life"
The relationship between Nyanin and Thornton goes both ways. Thornton also told the Chronicle, "I trust (Nyanin) with my life. So when she told me the kind of team she was planning, I already felt great about being here."