As the Atlanta Dream inch closer to final roster cuts, the picture is starting to come into focus.
Training camp has done exactly what it was supposed to do — give every player a chance to showcase their value.
Now?
It’s decision time.
Let’s break down how the roster is shaping up and who’s in… and who’s still fighting.
🔒 Roster Locks (No Debate)
Let’s start with the obvious.
These players are locked in as core contributors:
- Allisha Gray
- Jordin Canada
- Rhyne Howard
- Naz Hillmon
- Angel Reese
- Brionna Jones
- Te-Hina Paopao
This is your foundation.
There’s no real argument here — this group will drive the team this season.
🧩 Near-Locks (Development + Upside)
Next up are players who may not be “official locks,” but realistically are making this team.
These are your young pieces with upside:
- Isobel Borlase
- Madina Okot
- Sika Koné
- Indya Nivar
Each of these players has:
- Flashed in camp
- Shown real in-game value
- Proven they can contribute (now or soon)
They may still be developing, but they’re too impactful to leave off.
⚠️ The Bubble: 4 Players, 1 Spot
Here’s where things get interesting.
There appears to be one true roster spot left, and four players battling for it:
- Holly Winterburn
- Maite Cazorla
- Stephanie Jones
- Taylor Thierry
🥊 The Real Battle: Winterburn vs. Thierry
Based on everything we’ve seen in camp and preseason, this battle has started to lean toward Holly Winterburn.
While Taylor Thierry made a late push — especially with her ability to knock down the three — the deciding factor here comes down to:
Creation.
🤔 Why Holly Winterburn Has the Edge
Right now, the Dream only have one true point guard in Jordin Canada.
Because of that, this team needs more playmakers on the floor.
Winterburn provides:
- Ball handling
- Offensive initiation
- Playmaking for others
- Decision-making under pressure
She’s shown she can run offense in stretches, something that this roster desperately needs.
On the other hand, Thierry still feels like she’s developing in that area.
She brings:
- Athleticism
- Versatility
- Defensive ability
But the creation piece isn’t fully there yet.
And for this specific roster build?
That matters more.
🔄 What Happens to Thierry?
This doesn’t mean Thierry is out of the picture.
If anything, this could be a strategic move.
The Dream could:
- Move forward with Winterburn on the main roster
- Place Thierry in a developmental spot
- Continue investing in her long-term upside
That would allow Atlanta to balance:
Future development (Thierry’s upside)
🧪 Developmental Spots Prediction
The Dream will also have two developmental spots, and this is where strategy comes into play.
Predicted Developmental Players:
- Taylor Thierry (if she doesn’t make final roster)
- Kejia Ran (if she comes over)
Thierry feels like a natural fit here if she’s the odd one out — too good to lose, but just outside the main rotation. Don’t forget about the draft capital
Ran brings international upside and long-term potential.
📉 Players Likely on the Outside
Maite Cazorla
- Did not show enough consistent playmaking
- Looked a step slow defensively
Stephanie Jones
- Didn’t establish enough of an interior presence
- Didn’t separate herself in a crowded frontcourt
At this stage, both face an uphill battle.
🔍 Final Thoughts (Projected Final 12)
If I had to lock in my final 12-player roster for the Atlanta Dream right now, based on everything we’ve seen in camp and preseason, it would look like this:
- Allisha Gray
- Jordin Canada
- Rhyne Howard
- Naz Hillmon
- Angel Reese
- Brionna Jones
- Te-Hina Paopao
- Isobel Borlase
- Madina Okot
- Sika Koné
- Indya Nivar
- Holly Winterburn
This group gives the Dream:
- Elite versatility
- Defensive flexibility
- Shooting and playmaking
- A strong mix of veterans and young upside
It’s not just about talent — it’s about fit.
And this 12 feels like the group that best balances winning now while building for the future.
The only real question left?
Who grabs those final developmental spots… 👀🏀🔥