NFL
By: Nick Andre
2025 sparks a new beginning for the Atlanta Dream. The franchise has worked effortlessly by leaving last season’s struggles behind them by starting fresh with a new head coach and acquiring new talent via free agency. Not only did the Dream bring in new talent during the free agency but also struck a home run in the 2025 WNBA Draft with new pieces that can make an impact this season.
The 2025 WNBA Draft was filled with talent. Certainly, fans were focused on UConn legend Paige Bueckers being selected first overall by the Dallas Wings. However, other quality players are expected to make an immediate impact as rookies. The Dream didn’t have a lottery pick in this year’s draft. Luckily, the front office played their cards right by adding solid players to their roster.
The Dream couldn’t just draft any player. They had to be a player that is not only talented but fits into their culture. A fun style of basketball that results in high-powered offense is something that the Dream always wanted. They believed that Te-Hina Paopao was one player who fits their style as she was selected with the Dream’s 18th pick.
The fun style of basketball means shooting the three-pointer at a high level. That’s the number one attribute that Paopao brings to a team as she’s a sharpshooter on the offensive end. Paopao was a career 40 percent shooter from three during her college career. Her ability to put the ball through the hoop helped the South Carolina Gamecocks reach two National Championship games, winning one in 2024.
Paopao fits with the Dream perfectly. She’s another key scorer that the team can use in the second unit while she can also be placed in lineups with starters. Thriving off of great playmakers is something Paopao does at a high level. She showed that as she played next to Gamecocks point guard Raven Johnson the past two years. While the Dream feature dynamic point guard Jordin Canada, the two guards could connect well when they’re placed in lineups together.
Along with Te-Hina Paopao, the Dream also selected Ohio State guard Taylor Thierry with the 36th pick. The front office believed it was best to add another guard who can be a fierce competitor on both ends. As a 5’11 wing, Thierry can be a jack of all trades. The side of the floor she thrives on is the defensive end. Her size and mobility allow her to apply pressure on the perimeter. Thierry is great at using her body and hands to create unforced errors for the opposing team.
While Taylor Thierry can be an anchor on the defensive end, it creates easy opportunities on the offensive end as well. She’s fearless when attacking the basket and shows off her athleticism when she gets into the paint. Thierry has also shown improvements as a volume shooter as she shot 46 percent from three this past season with Ohio State. Thierry is a wing that the Dream will be glad they took a chance on. They need a young player who can come in and play with tremendous confidence. If she starts her career off on a good note, that could mean higher opportunities for her in the Dream’s rotation.
Believe it or not, the Atlanta Dream found two steals in the WNBA Draft. Both Te-Hina Paopao and Taylor Thierry are two players who are true winners. They are stars in the role they play and always do what’s best for the team. As the Dream continue to build a championship team for the future, Paopao and Thierry can be 2 players who can be pivotal pieces for years to come.
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