Dan Padover, Atlanta Dream General Manager, Makes History with a Third WNBA Executive of the Year Award
In an unprecedented achievement, Dan Padover, general manager of the Atlanta Dream, has been awarded the WNBA Executive of the Year award for the third time in his career. Padover, 37, surpasses Cheryl Reeve, who had won the award twice. Her previous wins were in 2020 and 2021, while working for the Las Vegas Aces. Padover’s career in the WNBA is characterized by his ability to build successful teams, starting in New York under the tutelage of Kristin Bernert and Bill Laimbeer, and then in Las Vegas before arriving in Atlanta four years ago.Under her leadership, the Atlanta Dream team underwent a significant transformation. This season, Padover brought in coach Karl Smesko and All-Stars Brionna Jones and Brittney Griner, who joined Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. As a result, the team doubled its number of wins compared to the previous season and took third place in the playoffs. Padover emphasized the importance of following a solid franchise building process and thanked the league for the recognition. The award is given by the 13 general managers of the league, in addition to the general manager of the Toronto team, which will debut next season. Padover was included in 12 of the ballots and received eight votes for first place. Ohemaa Nyanin, from Golden State, finished second, after her team had the best season for an expansion franchise in WNBA history, reaching the playoffs. Nick U’ren from Phoenix and Jamila Wideman from Washington took third and fourth place, respectively. Padover praised Larry Gottesdiener, the team owner, for his support and dedication to making Atlanta an attractive destination for the players.“I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by great players, staff, and coaches,” Padover commented. “This award recognizes the work of the entire organization. It’s about a group of people. You have to have fun. I think I’m an optimistic person and I try to create an environment where everyone can be authentic and enjoy the work.”
Dan Padover, General Manager of Atlanta Dream
In the four years that Padover has been with the franchise, Atlanta has undergone a complete renovation. “We have completely revamped the roster with 12 new players since I arrived. We haven’t had luck in the draw, we’ve never been above the top three,” she explained. “When I arrived, the situation was difficult. We couldn’t sign anyone in free agency, so the first moves had to be through trades. We made trades to get Rhyne, Naz Hillmon, Lish, and Jordin Canada.” Padover has worked closely with Deputy General Manager Brooklyn Cartwright, who has been key to the team’s success.“The goal has always been to create an environment where players can focus on basketball,” Padover stated. “We have a group of people they trust and know that the organization supports them, providing them with all the resources they need.”
Dan Padover, General Manager of Atlanta Dream
“She’s from Atlanta and she’s the one who handles the day-to-day operations,” Padover said. “She’s a fundamental piece and has been here since I arrived. She’s been every step of the way.”
Dan Padover, General Manager of Atlanta Dream
