2023, then 2024, and the dreams at stake since 2018. Things have been more than rocky for the Atlanta Dream. To consider just last season, when the team began their Commissioner’s Cup campaign, things didn’t go at all as planned. “I thought our effort was really p— poor,” head coach Tanisha Wright admitted after the team lost 69–50 to the Connecticut Sun, followed by a 78–61 defeat to the New York Liberty on June 6. But it wasn’t just about a poor start. The Dream wrapped up the 2024 season with a 15–25 record. This season, though, they want to pull out all the stops, and the ten-time All-Star who has rediscovered her love for basketball post the move to Atlanta wants to make sure they go all the way.

When Brittney Griner made a free agency move to Atlanta, everyone knew there had to be something she saw in the Dream—that’s likely why she stepped away from the team where she built her career for more than a decade. Let’s be honest: for most of us, seeing Brittney Griner in anything other than a Mercury jersey felt unimaginable. But then again, under Nate Tibbetts and his new “five out” system, Griner, as a dominant low-post player, didn’t fit the roster. But there were reasons beyond that as well. “Free agency has been everything I wanted it to be, honestly. I was able to find where I wanted to go,” Griner said. “Honestly, what led me to that decision ultimately was the team, the players. Also my family. I’m thrilled for this chapter”. 

So, the 2024 offseason marked the end of an era, or more like the beginning of a new one for the 34-year-old. “I was somewhere for a very long time, and it’s good to have a different change of pace, different outlook on everything. Definitely found the love for the game again being here,” Griner shared during a press conference. Safe to say that she found her perfect match with Atlanta.

But don’t get her—or the Dream—twisted. They’re not just here to compete; they’re here to dominate. “My team vs yours,” Griner wrote on her Instagram Story ahead of the regular season, reposting the Dream’s roster for the upcoming season.

You might be wondering what’s so special about that. But if you’ve been following the Dream since the start of the offseason, you know exactly what Griner meant.

It all started with the departure of former head coach Tanisha Wright in October 2024. Less than a month later, the Dream had a new leader at the helm: Karl Smesko, formerly of Florida Gulf Coast University. Known for his “Above the Line” offensive scheme, the franchise already understood the kind of impact he could make.

To support his system, focused on three-point shooting and rim attacks, they made strategic additions to the coaching staff. Assistant coach Brandi Poole joined the big dream, followed by LaToya Sanders, to bring veteran coaching experience to the bench. And Griner understands the odds the team has all too well, despite sites like FanDuel putting her new home down the list at No. 7 in the odds at +3100. Just ask her and she would tell you with eyes that don’t betray; her team is a championship contender.

“To the rest of the W, we’ve seen them power rankings,” Griner said in early May. “Seventh? Really? Yeah, we’re gonna see what that is at the end of the year. Because I guarantee you, we’re gonna be one. Period.”

After a major makeover, Griner and co. are ready to run the W!

The Dream started by bolstering their frontcourt with the acquisition of Brittney Griner. Then they brought in three-time All-Star Brionna Jones to further strengthen their interior presence. Still not done, they added guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough and rookie Te-Hina Paopao to enhance their backcourt depth.

Then came the training camp, practice sessions, and preseason games—and honestly, it all showed.

The first signs of a new era emerged in the Dream’s 80–70 preseason win over the Washington Mystics. The Dream shot 40.3% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range—more than double what the Mystics managed—highlighted by a team-high 16 points from Griner. Even in the loss against the Indiana Fever, the Dream looked competitive. They shot a respectable 33.8% from the field and 30% from deep, with rookie Paopao leading the team with 14 points.

Clearly, Coach Smesko’s offensive scheme is taking root. In case you’re still not satisfied, consider Griner’s progress at Dream. The way she effortlessly drained a three-pointer on her first possession vs. Mercury told the entire story behind her newfound comfort with the shot. It was unexpected, yet the ease in her movements told everyone a lot.

“Started in training camp day one, and I already can tell the difference now. I definitely feel comfortable taking the shot,” said Griner during an interview with Reuters.com. For her, newly installed head coach Karl Smesko had been the motivation to build the confidence from behind the arc. And clearly, it worked. She went 2-for-2 from deep as part of her 16 points and 10 rebounds, all in just 19 minutes of play against the Mystics. Then, days later on May 11, she once again hit a perfect 1-for-1 from three-point range, maintaining her 100% shooting from beyond the arc across both games.

Although she played limited minutes, her willingness and efficiency from distance reflect a significant shift in her offensive approach. So now you get why she was so confident with her new “Dream” team!