Renee Montgomery announced today via Twitter that she will be opting out of the 2020 WNBA Season to focus on social justice reform. She states via Twitter, “Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time…”. Montgomery is one of many players who have been an advocate for social justice reform since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a police officer in Minneapolis on May 25th. She decided to not play in this upcoming season to focus on advocating for this reform. She is one of the many anticipated players to opt-out of this season to focus on this issue.
After much thought, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA season. There’s work to be done off the court in so many areas in our community. Social justice reform isn’t going to happen overnight but I do feel that now is the time and Moments equal Momentum. Lets keep it going!
— Renee Montgomery (@itsreneem_) June 18, 2020
Contributions to the Dream
With Angel McCoughtry having to sit out due to injury, Montgomery was set to be a huge asset. Montgomery averaged 27.9 MPG, 9.5 PPG, and 2.6 APG. Montgomery was a starting guard for all 34 games for the Dream. She was a leader alongside Tiffany Hayes and Brittney Sykes for the Dream. Sykes was traded to the LA Sparks during this offseason. Montgomery is a sharpshooter with high field goal, three-point, and free throw percentages. She has scored her 500th three-pointer and is one of only thirteen players to have done this in WNBA history. Renee Montgomery scored in the double digits 13 times last season and led the team in assists. She also tied the franchise record for three-point attempts at 210 three-pointers last season. Montgomery was a huge asset for the Dream and will be missed.
Future of the Dream
Renee Montgomery opting out of the season will leave a need for more players to step up. The Dream now has two starting guard positions that will need to be filled. The Dream traded Brittney Sykes to the LA Sparks during this off-season. Although the Dream is losing Sykes, they drafted number three overall Chennedy Carter, who plays the guard position. Carter will have a huge role to step into with the absence of Montgomery as a rookie. Returning is Tiffany Hayes, a starting guard, who is already a huge leader on and off the court for the Dream. Many players will have to step up to help fill the role that Montgomery filled for this team. The Dream also is adding Courtney Williams to the roster from the Connecticut Sun who will be a huge asset this coming season. The Dream will definitely have a shift in roles among players but have the talent to do so.
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