Janelle Salaun emerges as leading candidate for WNBA Sixth Player of the Year

Janelle Salaun of the Golden State Valkyries is being regarded as the clear choice for WNBA Sixth Player of the Year, with one voter emphasizing her outstanding contributions over Sophie Cunningham of the Indiana Fever. Salaun, averaging 12.9 points and shooting 39.7 percent from three-point range, has a positive value per possession (VPM) of plus-1.81, positioning her as a critical part of her team's success. While Cunningham is known for her shooting, her VPM is negative at -1.35, leading to questions about her overall impact. As the award contenders finalize their campaigns, Salaun's performance has made a compelling case among voters and fans alike.

• 3:45 PMYahoo Sports — WNBA writer explains 'obvious' Sixth Player pick -- and it isn't Sophie Cunningham