Even in the pros, there are distinct skill gaps between players, and Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen was not afraid to admit to having a hard time dealing with Veronica Burton.

In the most recent episode of the Bird's Eye View podcast, Sue Bird asked Chen about her feelings on sharing a backcourt with Burton. While Chen revealed that she can count on Burton, she also admitted that guarding her has always been more than a task during practice.

"I always tell her I hate guarding her because I'm just going to get hit with like so many ball screens," Chen said. Bird went on to read a stat from the Valkyries' game that revealed Burton as the player who fouled and got fouled the most.

"My first thought was, oh my God, that's a nightmare in practise." Bird said. "Yeah, it is," Chen replied. "And it's so hard to stop her when she's going downhill. I'm like, you're just going to body me right now. And there's nothing I can do."

Nobody would know about Burton's abilities more than Chen. This season, the trio of HC Natalie Nakase, Burton, and Chen briefly shares information and observations from a floor general perspective. Other times, it's Nakase testing Burton and Chen in a way only a former point guard can do.

Both point guards have been making significant contributions for the Valkyries, who are 12-7 this season and looking very likely to qualify for the playoffs for the second straight year.

Burton has been averaging 12.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 3.4 rebounds this season, while Chen recently recorded 13 points, 3 rebounds, and an assist in a win against table toppers Atlanta Dream.

Moreover, Burton's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she currently remains in All-Star conversations.

Veronica Burton 33rd in Second All-Star Voting Returns

Burton remains in the second returns of the 2026 All-Star fan voting, eclipsing six figures in votes. She ranks 33rd and 15th among guards with 104,385 votes.

As the reigning WNBA Most Improved Player of the Year, Burton is also a top playmaker, being 9th in the league with 91 total assists and 12th in assists per game.

Apart from Burton, Gabby Williams, who leads the Valkyries in points and assists, received the eighth-most votes overall (451,450) and ranks sixth among front-court players.

Fans account for 50 percent of the votes, with media and players each accounting for the other 50 percent. WNBA head coaches select the 14 reserves, but only after the finalized starters.

So, how high a ceiling do you think Veronica Burton has? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy