The WNBA offseason has been filled with exciting moves and trades, but none have been quite as impactful as the ones made by the Atlanta Dream. With one All-Star player in and one out, the Dream have certainly made their mark and are determined to come out on top in the upcoming season.
After a disappointing 2020 season where they finished with a record of 7-15, the Dream knew that changes needed to be made in order to improve. And boy, have they made some big changes. Let’s take a closer look at the latest moves made by the Atlanta Dream and what it means for the team moving forward.
First and foremost, the Dream have acquired one of the top players in the league, four-time All-Star guard, Courtney Williams. Williams, who previously played for the Connecticut Sun, is known for her explosive scoring ability and tenacious defense. She averaged 13.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists in the 2019 season and was a key contributor in the Sun’s run to the WNBA Finals. Her addition to the Dream’s roster brings a much-needed boost to their offense and adds depth to their backcourt.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Dream had to say goodbye to one of their own All-Star players, forward Angel McCoughtry. McCoughtry, who has been with the Dream since 2009, has been an integral part of the team’s success over the years. She holds the franchise record for most points scored and was a crucial leader on and off the court. However, due to salary cap constraints and the desire for a fresh start, the Dream were unable to re-sign her. It’s a bittersweet moment for Dream fans, but they can take comfort in the fact that McCoughtry will always be a beloved member of the team’s history.
But the Dream didn’t stop there. They also made a trade with the Minnesota Lynx to acquire forward Damiris Dantas. Dantas, who has been in the league since 2014, brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the Dream’s frontcourt. She averaged 7.8 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in the 2020 season and is known for her strong rebounding and three-point shooting ability. Her addition, along with that of Williams, adds a new dimension to the Dream’s game and makes them a force to be reckoned with.
The Dream also made a few other signings and re-signings, including veteran guard Odyssey Sims and forward Glory Johnson. These players will bring leadership and experience to a relatively young team and will help guide them towards success.
With these new additions, the Dream’s roster is looking strong and well-rounded. They have a good mix of veterans and young talent, all of whom are hungry for success. It’s clear that the Dream’s front office is committed to building a winning team and these moves show just that.
But it’s not just about the players on the court, it’s also about the coaching staff. The Dream have made a crucial addition to their coaching staff with the hiring of Darius Taylor as their new head coach. Taylor, who was previously an assistant coach for the Phoenix Mercury, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dream. He has a proven track record of success and is known for his ability to develop players. With him at the helm, the Dream are in good hands.
The Atlanta Dream have certainly made a statement this offseason. They have added top talent, made key trades, and have a new coach ready to lead them to victory. The future is looking bright for the Dream and their fans should be excited about what’s to come.
With the start of the WNBA season just around the corner, all eyes will be on the Atlanta Dream. Will they be able to turn things around and become a top contender in the league? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, the Dream have made some of the biggest moves of the offseason and are determined to make their mark in the upcoming season. So let’s all keep an eye on the Dream and see what they have in store for us.
