SAN FRANCISCO – Veronica Burton is many things for the Valkyries.

She is the reliable point guard who has started every game this season. The team’s emotional leader. The versatile playmaker who leads the team in almost every significant statistical category.

If Valkyries coaches and players get their wish, Burton, who has started all 39 games this season, will also be recognized as the WNBA’s Most Improved Player.

It would – or will – be a well-deserved award for a player who was, a year ago, an anonymous reserve in Connecticut.

But with the kind of tear the Northwestern product has been on since the All-Star break, it is fair to ask: Does just calling her “most improved” sell her short as she leads the expansion team to a stunning run to the playoffs?

Shouldn’t Burton also be in the

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