If the Atlanta Dream are serious about fully committing to Karl Smesko’s shooting-first system, this upcoming WNBA Draft presents a massive opportunity. One name, in particular, stands out as a potential franchise-shaping addition: Gianna Kneepkens.
Kneepkens isn’t just a good shooter — she’s arguably the best pure shooter in the entire draft class. And for a Dream team that is still searching for consistent perimeter scoring, that matters more than anything.
Why Gianna Kneepkens Fits the Dream Perfectly
Kneepkens is the type of player coaches dream about. She’s efficient, polished, and reliable in every shooting metric that matters. She’s hitting 52.2% from three-point range and 90% from the free-throw line, numbers that are borderline absurd at any level of basketball. Players who can maintain that kind of efficiency don’t come around often.
For Atlanta, that skill set fits seamlessly into Smesko’s offense, which prioritizes spacing, ball movement, and shooting gravity. Kneepkens wouldn’t need the ball to dominate possessions. She would simply make everything easier for everyone else on the floor.
A Shooting Lineup That’s Hard to Guard
Now imagine Kneepkens coming off the bench as a sixth player in a lineup featuring Te-Hina Paopao, Allisha Gray, and potentially Rhyne Howard.
That’s a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Every pass becomes dangerous. Every closeout becomes a risk. And suddenly, Atlanta has the kind of shooting depth that can swing playoff games — not just survive them.
Why the Dream May Need to Move Up
Part of the urgency here comes from recent struggles by Yarden Garzon. Garzon profiles as an ideal Smesko-system player on paper, but her inconsistency has only increased the importance of securing elite shooting in this draft.
Kneepkens isn’t a projection. She’s a proven product.
There are growing rumors that Garzon could slide into the late first or early second round. If that happens, the Dream could pull off something rare — move up to secure Kneepkens, then circle back and still land Garzon as a value pick. That would instantly reshape Atlanta’s offensive future.
Securing Smesko’s Vision Long-Term
For Karl Smesko, shooting isn’t optional — it’s foundational. If Atlanta wants to fully unlock his system, they must surround their core with players who stretch the floor naturally and consistently.
Gianna Kneepkens does exactly that.
If the Dream are willing to be aggressive, move up a few spots, and bet on shooting — this draft could be the moment Atlanta officially becomes one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the WNBA.
