Veronica Burton
Veronica Burton Via Pinterest

Veronica Burton has emerged as one of the most efficient guards in the WNBA. Her standout ability to rack up assists without committing turnovers has sparked debate across the league: could control and consistency be enough to earn her a 2025 All‑Star selection?

How Burton's Efficiency Sets Her Apart from WNBA Peers

In a league where fast pace often leads to errors, Burton's poise has made her a statistical outlier. Against the New York Liberty, she recorded:

  • 10 assists
  • 5 rebounds
  • 0 turnovers
  • Over 34 minutes on court

That performance wasn't a one-off. According to SportsKeeda, she is the only WNBA player this season with multiple games of 10+ assists and no turnovers. That feat alone puts her ahead of All‑Star calibre guards in ball control.

From Reserve Player to Central Playmaker in Golden State

Burton's transformation with the Golden State Valkyries has been one of the league's most compelling storylines. In her previous stints with Dallas and Connecticut, she averaged just 2.9 points and 1.7 assists per game.

Now, per ESPN, she's posting:

  • 11.2 points
  • 5.2 assists
  • 4.1 rebounds
  • 1.6 steals

She ranks eighth in assists per game and leads the league in assist-to-turnover ratio. These figures show measurable growth, not just momentary flashes.

Coach Natalie Nakase has described her as 'the team's compass', underlining her role as a stabilising force in a brand-new franchise.

Why Burton Deserves to Be in the All‑Star Conversation

All‑Star selections typically favour flashy scorers, but Burton offers a different kind of value:

  • Elite efficiency: Her passing precision is unmatched in 2025.
  • Game control: She dictates pace without turnovers, a rare skill at any level.
  • Narrative momentum: From bench player to essential starter, her rise is undeniable.

Her fans have noticed. On Reddit, one user remarked: 'Definitely the MIP award frontrunner if you ask me'.

The Roadblocks: Can Efficiency Beat Out Star Power?

Despite her impressive numbers, Burton isn't a lock for All‑Star status. Several factors could hold her back:

  • Lower scoring totals: At 10.8 points per game, she lags behind high-profile guards like Arike Ogunbowale (20.2 ppg).
  • Limited national exposure: She doesn't have the brand recognition of names like Caitlin Clark.
  • Team record matters: Golden State's mid-table position may weaken her case in voters' eyes.

Still, according to SportsKeeda, Burton is considered a frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award, a testament to her impact.

Could Smart, Selfless Play Earn All‑Star Recognition?

Veronica Burton is proving that All‑Star value doesn't always come from scoring 25 points a night. Sometimes, it lies in the subtler qualities, elevating teammates, managing the tempo, and making smart decisions under pressure. Her unselfish style of play and calm composure have quietly become the backbone of a Golden State Valkyries team still carving out its identity in their inaugural season.

While All‑Star selections often favour high-scoring, high-visibility players, Burton offers a different proposition: a floor general who brings structure, balance, and maturity to every possession. If coaches and media voters prioritise substance over spectacle, her contributions may well earn her a deserved place in the All‑Star mix.

Even if she is overlooked this time around, Burton's 2025 campaign has firmly established her as one of the most improved and reliable guards in the league, laying the foundation not only for personal accolades in future seasons, but also for long-term franchise leadership.

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