The Atlanta Dream made the playoffs in the 2018 WNBA season. In that season, the played excellent half-court defense and Tiffany Hayes and Angel McCoughtry leading the way as star players.
But 2019 was a different story for the Dream, they finished the season 8-26. With McCoughtry being injured, it put Atlanta in a tough situation as the season began. The Atlanta star hurt her knee late in 2018, and it kept her out for all of the 2019 season. The Dream missed McCoughtry’s scoring, playmaking ability, and veteran leadership. Without McCoughtry’s presence, the Dream’s offense struggled in the half-court, missing a playmaker and shot creator.
Shooting Woes
Atlanta Dream only averaged 71.2 points per game and shot 37 percent from the field. Also, the Dream shot only 29 percent from three-point land. On defense, Atlanta was in the middle of the league and ranked near the bottom in defensive rebounding.
Tiffany Hayes led the Dream in scoring with 14.7 points per game, but only shot 39 percent from the field and 30 percent from three. Not a good shooting numbers at all. Brittney Sykes finished second on the team in scoring averaging 10.2 points per game. Hayes and Sykes were the only two Dream players to average in double figures.
What To Add For Next Season?
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Coached by 2018 Coach of the Year Nicki Collen, the Dream will look to add more talent next year. Much of what Atlanta decides to do will depend on if Angel McCoughtry will re-sign with the team, she is a free agent this offseason. She has been with the team since she was drafted in 2009. No matter what happens with Angel, Atlanta must target outside shooting both in the draft and in free agency. Also, the Dream must get some bigger bodies to hit the defensive boards. The Dream will pick fourth in the upcoming WNBA Draft. If Atlanta can gain those two things, they could compete for the playoffs next season.
