The WNBA offseason is always an exciting time for basketball fans, as teams have the opportunity to make big moves and shake things up in their rosters. This year, one team has made the biggest splash so far – the Atlanta Dream. With one All-Star player in and another out, the Dream are making all the right moves to improve their chances of success in the upcoming season. Let’s take a closer look at their latest moves.
First up, the Dream made a powerful addition to their roster by acquiring All-Star center Kalani Brown from the Los Angeles Sparks. Brown, a 6’7” powerhouse, was the seventh overall pick in the 2019 draft and has already made her mark in the league with her dominant performance on both ends of the court. In her rookie season, she averaged 5.1 points and 2.1 rebounds per game, and her potential for growth is undeniable. With her height and skillset, Brown will undoubtedly add depth to the Dream’s frontcourt and provide a strong presence in the paint.
But with the arrival of Brown comes the departure of another All-Star – Renee Montgomery. The point guard, who has been with the Dream for three seasons, has decided to sit out the 2020 season in order to focus on social justice issues and advocate for racial equality. Montgomery has been a valuable player for the Dream, averaging 9.5 points and 3.3 assists per game last season. However, her decision to use her platform for a greater cause is truly admirable and speaks to her character both on and off the court.
The Dream’s General Manager, Chris Sienko, expressed his support for Montgomery’s decision, stating, “We respect Renee’s decision and her ongoing fight for social justice. She has been a great asset to our team, and we know she’ll continue to make a positive impact in our community.” It is heartwarming to see a team stand behind their player’s choices and values, further solidifying the Dream’s reputation for having a strong team culture.
While Montgomery’s presence on the court will undoubtedly be missed, the Dream have made moves to fill the void. They have acquired veteran point guard Shekinna Stricklen and forward Glory Johnson from the Connecticut Sun in a trade. Stricklen, a former sixth overall pick, adds experience and outside shooting to the team, while Johnson brings versatility and athleticism to the frontcourt. These additions, along with the return of veteran forward Tiffany Hayes, who was sidelined last season due to injury, will help to offset the loss of Montgomery.
The Dream also made a minor move in signing free agent guard Alexis Jones, who previously played for the Minnesota Lynx. Though Jones has not yet established herself as a consistent contributor in the league, her athleticism and potential could make her a valuable asset to the Dream’s backcourt.
With these moves, the Dream have shown that they are determined to improve on their 2019 season, where they finished with a 8-26 record. Head coach Nicki Collen has expressed her excitement for the team’s new additions, saying, “I’m confident that each of these players will fit seamlessly into our system and elevate our team’s performance.” Collen’s confidence in her roster is shared by many, as the Dream have already made significant strides in the right direction.
The Dream’s key players, including two-time All-Star and leading scorer Brittney Sykes, will also continue to be important pieces in the team’s success. The addition of Brown and the return of Hayes will only make the Dream a more formidable opponent in the league.
Overall, the Atlanta Dream have made the biggest moves of the WNBA offseason so far, solidifying their position as a team to watch out for in the upcoming season. With the combination of experienced veterans and promising young players, the Dream are building a strong and well-rounded roster that is ready to compete at the highest level. As fans eagerly await the start of the season, one thing is for sure – the Dream are making all the right moves to achieve their goal of winning a championship.
