Although the new season has not started, an early award season may nominate the Atlanta Dream for winning the off-season and getting a steal in the 2025 draft.
The Dream now have size and depth, defensive prowess, and additional offensive power. Operating under an offensive-minded head coach in Karl Smesko, their WNBA draft night picks reflect the new regime.
With the 18th Pick in the WNBA Draft…
Te-Hina Paopao to the Atlanta Dream may be another puzzle piece that simply fits.
During her two seasons as a University of South Carolina Gamecock, Paopao was a solid two-way player.
A tough matchup against Indiana allowed Paopao to shine, chasing defenders at the glass and knocking down clutch shots. She believes that no matter the conditions or how the opponent may be disrupting the game, “you’ve just got to stay calm and be consistent”.
However, her versatility is what makes her intriguing to a team like the Dream. She can run the floor as a point guard or shooting guard— acting as a facilitator and reading the floor for her teammates, all while knocking down her own shots coming off the off-ball screen.
With the 36th Pick in the WNBA Draft…
Ohio State has now sent 20 players to the WNBA.
Guard and forward Taylor Thierry heard her name called in this year’s draft. Defense should be her middle name. Her impact during her collegiate career is how exciting she is on that side of the ball.
Some of her accolades include 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year semifinalist, All-Big Ten Defensive Team, and is ranked top 10 at Ohio State for 234 career steals. It could be a battle for teammates between Thierry and Howard for who gets the most steals in a season.
Shooting nearly 50% from the field, her contributions can be impactful on both ends of the ball. Outside of the offensive play from Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, the Dream lack consistent offensive gameplay from others. Paopao and Thierry may find their spots come next month.
Coach Smesko Has His Dream Setup
Another intriguing aspect to Paopao’s game is being a career 40% three-point shooter.
Head Coach Smesko has made it known that he wants the three-point shot to be a primary focus for the Dream’s game as well as “increasing shots per possession… generating higher quality shot opportunities for a higher return”.
From his starters to the bench, shooting behind the arc can be a weapon in everyone’s arsenal. Whether she is dropping three-pointers, getting out in transition, or showing off her floater game, Paopao can stretch the floor. What makes the league so special is that every player must be ready when their name is called.
Having a strong starting five is half the battle of competing against the other top-heavy rosters. But, what separates championship contenders from having a perfect record? A deep bench. No matter the rotations used or substitutions made, Coach Smesko can trust he is getting valuable production and solid minutes from all players utilized.
It may be too early to put another letter grade to what the Atlanta Dream were able to accomplish during the offseason. On paper, this roster looks scary, top to bottom. General Manager Dan Padover believes that the roster is filled with those “…who are coming together at the right time“.
Even still, as training camp gets underway, the final 12-woman roster will be indicative of the new style of gameplay this season.
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