Allisha Gray Calls Angel Reese The Missing Piece Atlanta Dream Needed

The WNBA battleground is not far as the teams will have their real test after the mega shakeup in the 2026 preseason. After an early exit from the 2025 playoffs, the Atlanta team made a huge push for the title, adding Angel Reese to the roster via trade.

Immediately after the addition of the mega star, the playoff team became a challenger team and even ranked among the top five starting lineups for the season. While many analysts and pundits have analyzed the move over the past few days, the Dream franchise player, Allisha Gray, put it simply, making even more sense for the fans.

Allisha Gray Lauds Angel Reese’s Impact Ahead of First Game

The ‘new’ Dream team will play its first preseason game against the Chicago Sky, and with that, there was much speculation around reactions from the players and fans on the gameday. Reese cleared her stance for her first game against the Sky team, but Gray went ahead and made bold claim for the entire season following the forward’s addition.

In the press conference, Gray said, “I do believe that Angel is the missing piece that we need to take us over the top.”

"I do believe that Angel is the missing piece that we need to take us over the top."

— Allisha Gray on Angel Reese pic.twitter.com/R5uiY5OPWP

— I talk hoops 🏀 (@trendyhoopstars) April 29, 2026

Even though in the earlier press conference, Gray joined Rhyne Howard and co. Making fun of Reese and her Sky team, her recent answer highlights that it’s time for her to get back on the court and get serious about the championships. The franchise has never won a championship, and the addition of Reese certainly gives them an elite post player who could complement the team’s core and help them win the title.

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While everyone is already backing the former Chicago Sky star to make the Dream side a title contender, coach Karl Smesko is also highlighting the direct impact the player will have on his team.

Karl Smesko Backs Angel Reese To Shine With Atlanta Dream

Many only highlight the former LSU Star’s rebounding ability, which makes her a superstar in the league. But coach Smesko sees a much bigger picture and impact from the player as he opened up on the use of Reese.

“She makes us more versatile on offense,” he said. “She’s going to get us extra possessions [with her rebounding]. We’re going to be able to get out and run, so all the things we really like to do. That’s going to make us even better at it.”

Karl Smesko on his vision for Angel Reese pic.twitter.com/uv2UezNfcA

— Angel Report🌹 (@AngelReportt) April 17, 2026

For her career, she has shot 42.1% from the field, a number she looks to improve. Smesko also added that the coaching staff is working on improving those numbers, too.