The Rebirth of the Atlanta Dream: A Dream Come True
The new pillars of the Atlanta Dream, Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Naz Hillmon, have led an epic transformation in the franchise. With a style that evokes the “Powerpuff Girls,” the trio has revitalized the team, achieving unprecedented success after six consecutive seasons with negative results. The Dream have doubled their number of victories, setting a record of 30 wins and securing third place in the WNBA playoffs.
The key to this success lies in the strong friendship and chemistry that exists both on and off the court. “We never stop having fun, and the chemistry has always been there,” Hillmon stated. This core has been fundamental in building the foundation that owner Larry Gottesdiener wanted to establish when he acquired the team in 2021. The arrival of general manager Dan Padover, who made several strategic moves, and the hiring of coach Karl Smesko, have been key pieces in this reconstruction.Naz Hillmon, Allisha Gray, and Rhyne Howard have forged a fundamental relationship for the success of the Atlanta Dream in 2025.Smesko’s impact has been notable. His offensive approach, which prioritizes three-point shooting, has transformed the Dream’s game. Players like Brionna Jones have significantly increased their three-point attempts, making the team’s offense more unpredictable and difficult to defend. “He’s a coach who tells you to shoot,” Gray commented. “It’s nice to have a coach who tells me to shoot more rather than not shoot.”
The team has experienced significant improvements in almost every statistical category, leading the league in rebounds and advancing in assists and three-pointers made. Smesko’s 30 wins in his first year set a record for a rookie coach in the WNBA. “In his mind he’s always thinking: ‘We have to get better, we have to get better'”, says Hillmon about Smesko. “I appreciate that about him”.
Hillmon has established herself as a strong candidate for the Sixth Player of the Year award, while Howard has tied the WNBA record for three-pointers in a game twice. Gray, for her part, has had an outstanding season, solidifying herself in the MVP conversation. “I play basketball without thinking,” Gray said. “I just have fun and the way he has the system is playing with as little thought as possible. I think that allows me to play in the best way.”
The atmosphere in the Dream’s locker room contrasts sharply with that of the past. “The number one goal is always to win. So we had to build a competitive team, but also rebuild what the WNBA ecosystem thought of Atlanta,” explained Padover. The absence of drama, the constant music, and the parties on trips are now common.
Since they met, Hillmon and Howard dreamed of winning a championship together. With the arrival of Gray, the trio has forged a special connection, which has been fundamental to the team’s resurgence. “We set out to win a WNBA title,” Hillmon assured. “It’s about having to come from something to achieve a championship and be a contender.”
The team has proven to be consistent and deep, becoming a formidable opponent. The Dream enter the playoffs with a high probability of winning the title. “We don’t mind being the underdog,” Hillmon said. “That’s fine, because we knew what we were working for. Obviously, you can bring the talent, but you have to do something with it.”
