Brittney Griner to the Atlanta Dream: 3 Key Takeaways

The Atlanta Dream just made one of the biggest moves in this WNBA offseason. They signed Brittney Griner, one of the best centers in the league. After being one of the faces of the franchise for a decade, the 6’9” center is joining a team that’s knocking on the door of contention.

Thre Dream are working towards getting firepower on their team. With Griner suiting up for their organization, the Dream are in a position to make a legitimate playoff push. Here are some key takeaways from this game-changing move.

1. The Dream Just Became Legitimate Contenders

Last season, the Atlanta Dream narrowly made it into the playoffs. They were fighting with the Dallas Wings and Chicago Sky for the final playoff spot, clinching it during the last week of the season. However, with Brittney Griner now in the mix, the expectations have changed.

After adding Tina Charles to play the center position last season, the Dream have now upgraded by adding Griner. The tenacious defender Griner brings gives them an elite interior defender, a dominant rebounder, and a proven playoff performer. One of the Dream’s biggest weaknesses last season was rim protection and rebounding. Having a former two-time Defensive Player of the Year instantly solidifies Atlanta’s defense. Griner’s shot-blocking ability is still strong, as she averaged 1.5 blocks per game. Teams will once again be forced to rethink attacking the basket, which could turn Atlanta into one of the league’s top defensive teams.

2. Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray Will Benefit the Most

Additionally, pairing Griner with Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray creates a battle-tested core that can now aim for a deeper postseason run. Griner’s arrival completely changes the spacing for Atlanta’s offense. With someone 6’9” who commands attention in the paint, defenses will no longer be able to collapse on Howard or Gray. Unless they pick up more shooting, the Dream might have some spacing issues, but Griner’s presence will give Howard and Gray better matchups.

Howard is one of the best offensive players in the game. Allowing her to create the pick-and-roll with Griner and choose who to attack off the dribble will prove to be lethal.

3. The WNBA’s Balance of Power Shifts

For years, Phoenix was a constant staple in the WNBA playoffs. Griner, along with her running mate Diana Taurasi, was a centerpiece for the Mercury. As the anchor of Phoenix’s defense moves to Atlanta, the Dream get a significant upgrade. The balance of power has shifted in Atlanta’s favor. The Dream are now in a position to disrupt the league’s traditional powerhouses. They may not yet be able to compete with the top teams in the league (i.e., New York, Minnesota), but after that, it’s anyone’s game.

Several factors will determine if they can challenge those teams. First, how will the rest of the roster be constructed? Second, can Griner stay healthy and continue to play at an elite level? Third, how will new head coach Karl Smesko run this team offensively and defensively? Fourth, will Rhyne Howard take the next step in her development? It might not happen this season, but the Dream could soon find themselves in the conversation for a WNBA semifinals appearance.

Conclusion

Brittney Griner’s move to the Atlanta Dream isn’t just another offseason signing—it’s a franchise-altering moment. With her arrival, the Dream have a legitimate shot at climbing the Eastern Conference standings and making a deep playoff run. The pieces are in place; now, it’s up to the team to put it all together. If everything clicks, Atlanta might just be the WNBA’s biggest surprise in 2024.