Atlanta Dream WNBA Profile: Five things you need to know

• Eastern Conference champions in 2010, 2011, and 2013
• Reached WNBA Finals three times in four-year span (2010, 2011, 2013)
• Developed Angel McCoughtry into one of WNBA's top scorers and five-time All-Star

The Atlanta Dream's rapid ascent from expansion team to Eastern Conference powerhouse changed the WNBA's competitive landscape in the early 2010s.

Overview

The Atlanta Dream entered the WNBA as an expansion franchise in 2008, quickly becoming one of the league's most successful teams. Within just two years of their inception, the Dream reached the WNBA Finals, marking the beginning of a dominant era in the Eastern Conference. From 2010 to 2013, Atlanta captured three conference titles and made three WNBA Finals appearances, establishing themselves as a perennial contender.

Australians who have played for the Atlanta Dream

Nyadiew Puoch: Born on June 23, 2004, in Cranbourne East, Australia, Puoch was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Prior to joining the Dream, she played for the Southside Flyers in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL), where she won a championship in 2024. Puoch is known for her length and athleticism, contributing significantly to the Dream's front court.

Isobel "Izzy" Borlase: Born on September 12, 2004, in Adelaide, Australia, Borlase was selected by the Atlanta Dream with the 20th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. She played for the Adelaide Lightning in the WNBL, where she was named to the All-WNBL First Team in 2024. Borlase is recognised for her scoring ability and versatility as a guard.

Team History

The Dream's journey began in 2008 when they were awarded an expansion franchise. Led by head coach and general manager Marynell Meadors, the team struggled in their inaugural season, winning only four games. However, the fortunes of the franchise changed dramatically with the first overall selection of Angel McCoughtry in the 2009 WNBA Draft.

McCoughtry's arrival catalysed a remarkable turnaround. In 2009, the Dream improved to an 18-16 record and made their first playoff appearance. This set the stage for their breakout 2010 season, where they captured their first Eastern Conference title and reached the WNBA Finals, falling to the Seattle Storm.

Why They're Important

The Atlanta Dream's rapid rise to prominence is significant for several reasons:

1. Expansion success: The Dream proved that expansion teams could compete at the highest level quickly, reaching the WNBA Finals in just their third season.
2. Eastern Conference dominance: Atlanta's three conference titles in four years (2010, 2011, 2013) reshaped the balance of power in the East.
3. Star development: The Dream's ability to draft and develop talent, particularly Angel McCoughtry, showcased their eye for identifying and nurturing elite players.
4. Consistent contention: Despite not winning a championship, Atlanta's sustained success over multiple seasons established them as one of the WNBA's model franchises.

Why the Dream are on our list

The Atlanta Dream's consistent excellence in the first past of the 2010s put them on the cusp of winning their first title. While they didn't capture a WNBA championship, their three Eastern Conference titles and WNBA Finals appearances in a four-year span demonstrated a level of sustained success that few teams have matched.

The Dream's ability to build a contender from scratch, going from expansion team to Finals participant in just three seasons, is a remarkable achievement. Their rapid ascent and sustained success serve as a blueprint for how to build a competitive franchise in a short period.

Moreover, the Dream's impact extends beyond their on-court accomplishments. They helped grow the WNBA's fanbase in the southeastern United States and provided a platform for stars like Angel McCoughtry to showcase their talents on a national stage.

Five Fast Facts

1. The Dream reached the WNBA Finals in 2010, 2011, and 2013, falling to the Seattle Storm and Minnesota Lynx (twice) respectively.
2. Angel McCoughtry, the Dream's cornerstone player, was selected first overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft and became a five-time All-Star.
3. In 2011, the Dream set a franchise record with 20 wins in the regular season.
4. Head coach Marynell Meadors was named WNBA Coach of the Year in 2009, guiding the team to their first playoff appearance.
5. The Dream's name pays homage to Martin Luther King Jr.'s famous "I Have a Dream" speech, connecting the team to Atlanta's civil rights legacy.

Career Highlights Timeline

2008: Atlanta Dream founded as WNBA expansion team

2009: Select Angel McCoughtry with first overall pick; make first playoff appearance

2010: Win first Eastern Conference title; reach WNBA Finals

2011: Capture second straight Eastern Conference championship; return to WNBA Finals

2013: Win third Eastern Conference title in four years; make third WNBA Finals appearance

The Atlanta Dream's meteoric rise from expansion team to Eastern Conference powerhouse represents one of the most impressive team-building efforts in WNBA history. Their ability to consistently compete at the highest level, despite not winning a championship, cements their legacy as one of the greatest teams in the league's history. The Dream's impact on the WNBA's competitive landscape, coupled with their role in developing superstar talent such as Angel McCoughtry, ensures their place among the most influential franchises of their era.

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