NFL
By: Nick Andre
New beginnings arise for WNBA veteran Aerial Powers. After spending three seasons with the Minnesota Lynx, the wing talent decided to make Atlanta her next destination and sign with the Dream over the offseason. Powers is another addition to the Dream that can provide a ton of offense for the team this season.
The beginnings of Aerial Powers were magnificent. She was an exceptional role player who could come off the bench and provide a spark for her team. Her contributions on both ends of the floor played a huge role with the Washington Mystics winning a championship in 2019. Since that point, Powers has continued to give 100 percent effort and become well-respected around the WNBA.
However, many situations come with trials and tribulations. In 2021, Powers became a member of the Minnesota Lynx. From the outside looking in, it was a great situation for her to continue her growth as a player. The Lynx have established themselves as one of the prominent franchises in the WNBA and their four championships show for it. Also, Powers also had an opportunity to play under head coach Cheryl Reeve, who required excellence from her players.
Things went well in the beginning. In 2022, Powers played a huge role as one of the Lynx’s starting wings and delivered big-scoring performances. However, things took a turn a season later. Powers played only 20 games during the 2023 season and her minutes went from an average of 27 to 9.8. There were reports about whether she and Coach Reeve were not on the same page which forced her to see less playing time on the floor.
Despite limited minutes, Powers made sure to contribute to the best of her ability. When her team needed her to step up offensively, she did so by continuing to shoot at an efficient level. Powers also continued to be a force defensively with her length and activity. Powers had five double-digit performances during the 2023 season and still showed flashes as a valuable player.
After the season, it was clear that Aerial Powers’ tenure in Minnesota was over. The question was where could she play next? What team would expand her value and allow her to show her importance to the team? Luckily, the Atlanta Dream would become Aerial Powers’ next destination.
The culture in Atlanta is continuing to grow. This team is young, fun, and energetic. One of the goals this off-season was to make sure to acquire veteran players with experience. A few key players that the Dream acquired over the off-season were former league MVP Tina Charles as well as Jordin Canada. Powers would be the other key piece that will play in Atlanta this upcoming season.
“We have confidence in her” Dream head coach Tanisha Wright stated on the first day of Training Camp. Trust is the biggest thing for Aerial Powers at this stage of her career. She wants to be in a situation where her team has faith in her and her ability. With Atlanta being a playoff team on the rise, this looks as if this is the right situation for her.
Powers has the chance to play next to incredible talents. Alongside Charles and Canada, there’s a young wing duo in Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray who want to take the league by storm. The Dream also includes an elite center in Cheyenne Parker who is coming off her first All-Star season. The Dream also consists of a great supporting cast like Naz Hillmon, Crystal Dangerfield, Haley Jones, Nia Coffey, and several others.
Aerial Powers will fit in with this team perfectly. She has the perfect blend of scoring and playmaking on offense. Powers also can be a huge X-Factor on the defensive end for the Dream. Although she was faced with adversity last season in Minnesota, she’s on the same page with everyone in the Dream organization. With that being said, fans should expect Powers to have a great first season in Atlanta.
