WNBA season preview: How big of a difference will Angel Reese make for the Atlanta Dream?

2. How Angel can open up the Dream’s offense even more

As articulated above, Reese can juice the Dream’s 3-point shooting without herself improving as a 3-point shooter, even though the track record of this Atlanta staff suggests they will provide Reese with the instruction needed to refine her 3-point shot—and that she will be empowered to test it out. If the realization of Angel’s 3 is a gradual process, she can still create even more space for the Atlanta offense, and thus make the Dream even more difficult to guard, by operating as a point forward. The two preseason games provided some hints of this possibility. In such a capacity, Reese can be surrounded four other players who have to be guarded from behind the arc, pulling opposing defenders outside of the paint. If the paint is unprotected, Smesko can design offensive actions that look to get players open, uncontested looks at the rim, or get the defense in rotation as they try to cover all the ground required to defend Atlanta’s shooters. Angel operating as the trigger woman can open up these actions, with the threat of her also driving to the basket, whether by blowing by a slower defender or overpowering a smaller one, making the Dream’s halfcourt set up even more dangerous. Angel’s versatility, in short, can male the Dream’s offense more versatile.

3. How Angel can inject Atlanta with ferocity and fight

It is both a compliment and criticism of the Dream core is that they’ve been a bit *too* nice. Yes, Allisha has her crashouts, and Rhyne reportedly is a renowned trash talker, albeit at a whisper. But overall, they Dream are more likely to beat opponents with a smile, not a sneer. Reese, in contrast, plays with a sharper edge. She doesn’t hesitate to poke or prod opponents with a well-earned taunt. And when challenged, she bites back. Those traits, more than her play, could be the most significant way in which she makes a difference for the 2026 Dream. This is not to say that the returning Atlanta players lack the requisite competitiveness. But, Angel wears her ferocity in a way foreign to most members of the Dream. That emotional fire can fuel Dream. When the team threatens to wither in adverse moments, especially in the postseason, Angel should be empowered to be express her edge, and inspire her teammates to find theirs. At the very highest levels at which the Dream are aiming, these intangibles, as much as X and Os, can swing a game or series that is trending toward another “only Atlanta” disappointment into a validating victory. Dream fans, share your thoughts about Angel and the rest of the squad in the comments. How do you envision Angel helping the Dream level up? Who else are you expecting to have a big season? Do the high expectations make you nervous, or do you believe this team is poised to be better than ever?