The Atlanta Dream are a dozen games away from the end of the 2019 WNBA season. With a record of 5-17 and in the midst of a seven-game losing streak, the Dream are currently last in the league standings. Coach Collen’s squad can finish with no better than a .500 record. However, they’re not eliminated from playoff contention – just yet. There’s still the possibility of a postseason appearance should they make a run over their remaining games. With the trade deadline fast approaching (August 6th), could they be looking to make a few changes to the roster?
The Dream have displayed both offensive and defensive woes this season. They’re last in scoring at 69.5 points per game (ppg) and are also the league’s only team shooting less than 30% from deep at 27.7%. They are top 5 in free-throw attempts, but bottom two in conversions at 75.7%. They’re the best shot-blocking team at 5.5 per outing along with an average of over 36 rebounds per game (rpg), which is good enough for 3rd.
Angel McCoughtry
Since suffering a knee injury in August 2018 against the Las Vegas Aces, Angel McCoughtry has yet to see the court this season. There’s no definite answer or suggestion anymore that she’ll even suit up this season. Should she be traded, the Dream would likely look to receive multiple pieces for their franchise star. She’d be a valuable asset to any team and would provide veteran leadership. Where could that be beneficial? First thought: Dallas Wings.
Could a McCoughtry for Glory Johnson and perhaps Kaela Davis trade work? Dallas has seen a dip in talent on their roster. They are also are nowhere near the team they could be when at full-strength. They’re still without Skylar Diggins-Smith after giving birth. Both Azura Stevens and Tayler Hill are sitting due to injuries. Oh, and they have the big time shotmaker in Arike Ogunbowale. Factor in Moriah Jefferson, and you could very well have a playoff team next year.
The Dream would then have two younger, big, and versatile players. Davis is able to occasionally run the point along with her ability to attack the paint. She’d also have the opportunity to play home in front of family and friends. Johnson is more of a post player. But she can also stretch and knock down the long ball, currently doing so at a career-high of just under 40%. That’s just one scenario.
Nia Coffey
How about Nia Coffey for Chicago’s Katie Lou Samuelson? I actually like this option for one specific reason: scoring. Yes, Coffey’s numbers are more impressive. She is averaging 6.3 ppg and just under 4 rpg, but Samuelson hasn’t quite found her footing in Coach James Wade’s rotation.
However, to her defense, she suffered a hand injury in June and was forced to miss a few weeks for the Sky. She’s a reliable scorer and could provide an offensive option for Coach Collen off the bench. As I said in the beginning, Atlanta is last when it comes to both points per game and shooting from behind the arc. Samuelson could help increase those numbers and would be a bright addition.
With just under a month left in the season, the window of opportunity is quickly closing on their postseason hopes. There have been no indication of forthcoming moves by the Dream, but anything is possible in this league. Time is ticking…
