ESPN Skeptical of Atlanta Dream's 2026 WNBA Draft Class After Angel Reese Trade

The Dream made a big splash acquiring star forward Angel Reese but their three draft picks failed to impress analysts.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a WNBA basketball game, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the dynamic energy and competitive spirit of the sport.The Atlanta Dream's revamped roster, led by star forward Angel Reese, faces high expectations after a bold offseason move.Atlanta Today

The Atlanta Dream made a major offseason move by trading for star forward Angel Reese, but their 2026 WNBA draft class has drawn skepticism from ESPN analysts. The Dream selected South Carolina center Madina Okot, North Carolina guard Indya Nivar, and Chinese guard Kejia Ran, with Okot being the headliner of the group. However, ESPN's Michael Voepel gave the Dream's draft class a B grade, noting that Okot is still developing, Nivar has struggled with her shooting, and Ran is known more for her defense than offense.

Why it matters

The Dream are looking to build a championship contender around Reese, Howard, Gray, and Jones, so their draft picks will be crucial in supplementing that core. If the Dream's draft class fails to make an immediate impact, it could hinder their title aspirations.

The details

The Dream selected Okot with the 13th overall pick, Nivar with the 28th pick, and Ran with the 43rd pick. Okot is a talented center with a propensity for double-doubles, but she is still developing after only two years in the U.S. college system. Nivar was a surprise pick, as she has struggled with her shooting throughout her college career at Stanford and North Carolina. Ran is known more for her defensive skills than her offense.

  • The 2026 WNBA draft took place on April 17, 2026.

The players

Angel Reese

A 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up who was traded to the Atlanta Dream in the offseason, instantly making them a championship contender.

Rhyne Howard

The 2022 No. 1 overall pick who is a three-time WNBA All-Star and All-Defensive Team selection for the Dream.

Allisha Gray

A three-time WNBA All-Star and noted 3-point sharpshooter for the Dream.

Brionna Jones

A four-time WNBA All-Star who plays for the Dream.

Madina Okot

The South Carolina center selected 13th overall by the Dream in the 2026 WNBA draft.

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What they’re saying

“YAY! MADINA!!! 😍Another walking double-double!! LET'S GOOOO!!!”

— Angel Reese

“Okot is still developing player with only two years of experience in the U.S. college system. But her propensity for double-doubles and ability to get up and down the court well for her size made her a first-rounder. She was projected to go a little higher in ESPN's final mock draft, so the Dream's grade rests on the belief that she is going to work out well for them.”

— Michael Voepel, ESPN Analyst

“Nivar was a surprise; she spent her first season at Stanford and the last three at North Carolina. She had her best season as a senior, averaging 10.6 points. She has not been a good shooter, hitting 25.4% of 3s and 57.3% of free throws in her career. But the Dream value her defense and energy.”

— Michael Voepel, ESPN Analyst

“Ran has international experience and is known for her defensive skills, too.”

— Michael Voepel, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Dream will look to integrate their 2026 draft class, led by Madina Okot, into the team's rotation as they aim to contend for a WNBA championship with their revamped roster.

The takeaway

The Dream made a bold move to acquire star forward Angel Reese, but their 2026 draft class has drawn skepticism from ESPN analysts who feel the team may have reached on some of their picks. The success of Okot, Nivar, and Ran will be crucial in determining if the Dream can capitalize on their offseason moves and become a true title contender.