The Atlanta Dream are beginning a grand experiment.
They hired Karl Smesko as head coach, an offensive innovator known for the “shoot first, shoot second and shoot third” 3-point-centric attack he established at Florida Gulf Coast (FGCU). And yet, the organization then signed two elite—albeit shooting limited—bigs during the WNBA’s free agency period: all-timer Brittney Griner and All-Star Brionna Jones.
How will Griner and Jones, the independent variables in this experiment, effect the operation of Smesko’s offensive system? Can they elevate the dependent variables—the Dream’s core of Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray and Jordin Canada—to new heights? Could it all devolve into a reactive, explosive mess?
In the 2025 WNBA Draft, however, the Dream did not add players who will disrupt their experiment. Instead, with South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao dropping to the team at the No. 18 overall pick, they found a controlled variable, a constant who can be counted on regardless what else happens.
Te-Hina Paopao looks straight up REGAL in her Samoan attire for draft night
Paopao was selected with the 18th pick of the WNBA draft to the Atlanta Dream in front of family and friends ❤️ pic.twitter.com/q2pbt4zCrl
— espnW (@espnW) April 15, 2025
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