2017 WNBA Preview: How big can Atlanta Dream without Angel McCoughtry?
By Eli Horowitz
“We’re going to run even more,” Cooper said. “Angel is the type of player you can just throw the ball to and she can create for herself. We’re going to push the ball up the floor and have a more developed offense. Transition is going to be our biggest weapon.”
The Dream have multiple young guards that will try to shoulder the load by committee. We know about Hayes, who put up 15 points a game last year and demonstrated an uncanny ability to get to the rim and draw fouls:
Hayes shot 53 percent on twos and 80 percent from the foul line last season while often guarding the other teams’ best player. She said she will continue to get to the basket, but knows that to make another leap, she’ll need to improve her 3-point shooting—she shot just 27 percent from deep in 2016. Another area she’s looking to build on is her on-court leadership.
“Layshia’s [Clarendon] done a great job being a vocal leader and I’ve led more by example,” said Hayes. “My coaches want me to be more of a leader this year.”
Clarendon had a career year in 2016. She averaged 10.4 points, 3.5 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game. She scored efficiently, shooting 35 percent from long range, 77 percent at the line and 50 percent on twos.
“Layshia came in and did a tremendous job for us at the point guard position,” said Cooper. “She reminds me of Jason Kidd.”
Clarendon shot just under eight times a game last year, and she’ll have to take on a bigger role without McCoughtry. She said she needs to be more aggressive this season, and Coach Cooper said he’s considering playing her at the two where she’ll have more opportunities to shoot.
“As a point guard you’re always looking to deliver the ball,” said Cooper. “I want to move her to the back side where she’ll have more opportunities. I want her to be a decision maker out of that first double team. She is a very good three-point shooter who didn’t get enough shots.”
Clarendon’s continued development could be the measuring stick for how well the Dream play this year. She’ll be needed for more than just scoring and passing, as she said her job is to be the one talking in huddles, knowing the time and score, calming teammates and communicating with the referees.
“The team trusts me a lot,” she said. “They realize that I’m reliable and I’m poised on the court.”
Atlanta’s backcourt also includes Bria Holmes, who will look to build on her rookie campaign in which she scored 7.5 points per game. Cooper said she is ready to start in McCoughtry’s place.
“Bria Holmes is a natural one,” he said. “She had an excellent rookie season. She’s ready to step into that role.”
The team also added guard Brittney Sykes from Syracuse with the seventh pick in this year’s draft, as well as guard Jordan Reynolds from Tennessee in the second round. Their final selection was forward Oderah Chidom from Duke in the third round.
Sykes was a steal at the seven spot. She shot 39 percent from three at Syracuse, is a lockdown defender and should fit in well next to Hayes, Holmes and Clarendon. Cooper expects her to contribute immediately.
The Dream have a relatively deep backcourt considering the loss of McCoughtry and have the speed to continue to push the ball. It’s going to take time to build chemistry, but the Dream, who were last in assists last year, are hoping a greater emphasis on ball movement can make up for the individual game of McCoughtry.
Although this is a guard-heavy team, to earn a playoff spot, the Dream will need to continue their strong physical play up front and on the backboards. Big Elizabeth Williams won the 2016 WNBA Most Improved Player award last year, averaging 11.9 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, and is primed for an even bigger year.
“I’m looking for her to be an All Star this year,” said Cooper. “She’ll be a terror at the four spot. Look for her to be more offensive-minded. A lot of things I’ll draw up will go to her first.”
The biggest question in the Dream’s frontcourt is depth. Sancho Lyttle was productive in her twelfth WNBA season last year scoring 7.6 points and grabbing 7.8 rebounds, but she played just 19 games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. This forced Williams to lead the WNBA in minutes last year, which may be unsustainable. Cooper said he has to get her minutes down and is looking to Damiris Dantas to take up some of those minutes.