Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Dream and three reasons for optimism
It’s not all doom and gloom for the Atlanta Dream.
The 7-17 record is not a true representation of the talent on this squad. And the fan support hasn’t wavered either, with the Atlanta faithful selling out each of the 10 games in Gateway Arena Center as well as the record-breaking crowd in State Farm Arena this season. So the vibes of a new era in women’s basketball are still intact halfway through the season.
The team needs to use this month long break to get healthy, reset their minds, and continue gelling on-court in order to push for a playoff spot. It’s too early to throw in the towel, so let’s attempt to find some silver linings and sources for hope going forward.
I detailed the many issues of this year’s Atlanta Dream here, so I’d like to use today to strike a more positive tone. Here are three points of optimism for the Dream as we move into the second part of 2024.
There’s still time to turn things around
Despite the clock ticking against them, there are eight spots for 12 teams in the 2024 WNBA Playoffs. So, an overall record six or even eight games below .500 could possibly get them there. Certainly, that would require the Dream to still win a majority of their remaining games, but anything 9-7 or better going forward at least puts them in the conversation.
While they are currently three games back of the Chicago Sky (10-14) for eighth place, the Dream have a good bit more playoff experience than that of the Sky. Add to that the trade of Marina Mabrey to the Connecticut Sun, and it’s possible the Sky opt to focus on the future rather than push hard for the playoffs.
Just above them are the even younger Indiana Fever (11-13), who have surprised lately after a tough opening to their season, but they could still falter down the stretch of this season.
Last season, the Dream broke a six-season streak of missing the playoffs with a 19-21 regular season record to give them a 5-seed in the eight-team bracket (all eight teams are seeded regardless of conference). There, they fell to the Dallas Wings in two games, but it’s clear that playoff experience is something they want to achieve again in order to improve on that result this time around.
In short, anything can happen if the Dream are able to have a strong 16-game stretch and get some help from one of the two teams above them.
Allisha Gray is here to stay
Guard/wing Allisha Gray is putting up another career season with the Dream. After breaking through with her first All-Star Season last year, she doubled it up this season with averages of 15.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game so far after appearing in every single game in 2024 to this point.
Beyond the regular season accolades, she became the first player ever to win the Skills Competition and the 3-Point Contest in the same year at the All-Star festivities — a feat which netted her a nice salary bonus.
After a July 2 loss to the Chicago Sky, Allisha Gray talked about her gratitude for the career change, saying, “[c]oming to Atlanta, I always say, is the best thing to happen to my career. Being here, I’ve been able to be set up for success. I just feel free and [coach Wright] allows me to play and be free and have fun on the court. I say this all the time, but coming to Atlanta might really revive my career.”
The Dream have unearthed a bonafide star and capable sidekick to former number one overall pick Rhyne Howard. Even if the playoff push falls short this season, the Dream have a pair of pillars to build around for the future.
The Canada-Howard-Gray backcourt
The Howard-Gray pair was just as excellent in 2023, but they lacked a true engine a point guard to help the offense against elite teams in the WNBA. That hole at point guard was ultimately the biggest lowlight (along with a pair of large blown leads) in the two-game playoff sweep to the Wings.
This past offseason, the Dream traded for Jordin Canada using a package of Aari McDonald and draft pick equity hoping to solve their point guard issues over the recent years. Well, even if in a brief four-game stint, it’s safe to say Canada looks the part.
I talked in the previous piece about Canada’s prowess as a true floor general here, and that ability will really pay dividends in allowing Howard and Gray to operate off the ball more and look for scoring pockets.
Sadly, Rhyne Howard has had to watch from the bench as Jordin Canada made her return from an offseason hand injury, and Howard’s return from an injury of her own coincided with a Canada absence for a broken finger.
Still, after 10 games out of action, she was grateful for the chance to play again.
“It felt great,” Rhyne Howard had to say about her return in the last game before the break against the Minnesota Lynx. “Really the biggest thing for me was just being back with my teammates. You know, it’s hard watching on the sidelines when you know how much of an impact you can have on the game.”
I would have to imagine Canada echos those remarks, with her having missed 20 out of a possible 24 games so far this season. This backcourt trio could be really good, but we just haven’t had the chance to witness it in action.
I continue to hold out hope that it’s as good as advertised. And there’s really only one direction to head from their 12th-ranked offense to this point. Here’s to this trio hitting the ground running starting on August 16 in their return home game against the Seattle Storm.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.
The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.
Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.
It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.
Atlanta, GA
YMCA of Metro Atlanta Partners with Trae Young Family Foundation to Unveil 8 New Pickleball Courts with ‘First Dink’ Celebration
New courts will bring access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports through youth programming, recreational play and community wellness initiatives
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta distributed the following announcement about the opening of new pickleball courts in East Cobb:
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of eight brand-new pickleball courts at its McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA location with a “First Dink” ceremony Wednesday, June 17. The new courts expand opportunities for community members of all ages to stay active, build connections and enjoy one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
The event featured remarks by leaders from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Trae Young Family Foundation, followed by a ceremonial “First Dink.” Players from the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s first professional pickleball team, closed out the celebration with a clinic, introducing community members to the game through demonstrations and hands-on play.
Made possible through donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA community, the new pickleball courts will enhance a variety of YMCA programming, including youth camp camps, recreational play, leagues and opportunities for families and older adults to strengthen their physical and social well-being through active lifestyles.
“At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to connect, grow and thrive through healthy living,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These new pickleball courts will provide a welcoming space where children, families and older adults can build relationships, stay active and experience the joy of play together. We are grateful to the Trae Young Family Foundation and all the donors for helping make this investment in our community possible.”
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles and meaningful connections. The new courts at the McCleskey East-Cobb Family YMCA represent the latest example of the organization’s dedication to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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