Angel McCoughtry signs deal with Atlanta Dream

With Angel McCoughtry a restricted free agent, Atlanta Dream fans were probably feeling a bit weak in the knees after Lindsey Harding signed with the Los Angeles Sparks. If Harding could go, could...you know...could it possibly happen that McCoughtry would be the next to go?

But Atlanta Dream fans can now sleep soundly now that Angel McCoughtry has resigned with the team. From the press release:


“We’re very excited to have Angel back,” said Dream head coach and general manager Fred Williams. “She’s an Olympian and elite player who has played extremely well during her WNBA career in Atlanta, and it’s exciting to know she will continue to build her career with the Dream. Angel has helped us reach the Finals twice, and wants to continue to contribute that success as part of the team.”

The length of the contract was not released but it will extend McCoughtry's four-year tenure at Atlanta. McCoughtry was the number one draft pick of the 2009 WNBA Draft and was instrumental in leading Atlanta from a 3-31 finish during its inaugural season to two WNBA Finals appearances in 2010 and 2011. There was fan speculation that McCoughtry could sign elsewhere, but it looks like McCoughtry will be Atlanta's franchise player.

In addition to her Olympic gold medal in 2012, McCoughtry has averaged 19.0 ppg over four WNBA seasons, and hitting over 21 points per game over the past three. The 2009 Rookie of the Year, McCoughtry is a three-time member of the WNBA All-Defensive Team, a two-time All-WNBA player, and the team leader in Win Shares over the previous three seasons.

If Lindsey Harding was irreplaceable, then Angel McCoughtry was superirreplacable. Atlanta still has its foundation stone, and Atlanta Dream head coach Fred Williams can breathe a sigh of relief at Atlanta heads into the 2013 season.