WNBA's Atlanta Dream Welcomes Three New Players To Roster
BALLIN IN THE ATL: WNBA’s Atlanta Dream Welcomes Brittney Griner, Brionna Jones & Shatori Walker-Kimbrough
Source: Kevin C. Cox / Getty
The WNBA’s Atlanta Dream just signed some heavy hitters to their roster for the upcoming season!
During a press conference held on Tuesday (Feb. 4), the Dream officially introduced 10x WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner, 3x All-Star Brionna Jones, and 2019 WNBA champ Shatori Walker-Kimbrough to their roster.
General Manager Dan Padover called the signings a “home run” as the franchise continues to strengthen its roster. “We finally felt like we were at a place where we were attractive,” Padover said about its ability to entice the three major players, according to 11Alive.
As the most high-profile signee in the Dream’s recent memory, Griner comes to the ATL after spending 11 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. The 2014 WNBA champ and 3x Olympic gold medalist credited the overall vibe of the city and the team as the reason she joined the Dream. “I just thought it was time for my next chapter in my career, and there is such a rich history here,” she said.
Griner also spoke about her evolution as a player: “You get that experience, with playing overseas and in the Olympics, I’ve learned what I need to do to add to my game… and, you know, stretch my game out.” She added that she looks forward to playing in the Eastern Conference and competing against a new crop of players.”
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Jones, who spent seven seasons with the Connecticut Sun, also credited Atlanta’s culture and community as key reasons for her signing. “I think I chose Atlanta just because of the people… I felt that the culture they’re building here is everything they established.”
Regarding her game, she adds, “With getting older comes experience. Over the course of my career, my game has improved, and I’m excited for this new challenge to grow as a player.”
Walker-Kimbrough, who played with the Washington Mystics from 2017-2019 and from 2021-2024, highlighted the quality of the people within the Dream organization. “I think for me, it’s not just their skill set but what you hear about them as people… I just wanted to be a part of that.”
She adds on her game, “As players get older, IQ comes into play… for me, I think that’s been where I’ve tried to expand my game and help the team.” She also noted that she continuously works on being a more versatile player.”
Watch the full press conference below
