Gray is enjoying career-best numbers for Dream in smooth transition to Smesko's winning formula
Gray, already a two-time All-Star in her first two seasons in Atlanta, has enjoyed the best start of her eight-year career. The shooting guard has looked comfortable from the start in Smesko's offense which leads the WNBA in 3-pointers.
Gray's consistent production has led to wins for the Dream, who rank among the league's top four teams one year after finishing 15-25. Atlanta (10-5) had won nine of 11 before Tuesday night's 68-55 loss at Dallas.
'I mean, it's a testament to Karl,' Gray said last week. 'He's really dialed in on the details. It shows when you pay attention to small things, it really works. So he just brought a system in, and I feel like we're dialed in and locked in into the system. When we execute it right, we're successful.'
Smesko, who won more than 600 games in 23 years at Florida Gulf Coast, was hired to replace Tanisha Wright in a bold move before the season. Atlanta hasn't had a winning season since 2018, but Smesko's winning formula in college is proving to be a good fit for an Atlanta roster that suddenly looks deep and balanced.
Gray, Rhyne Howard, Jordin Canada and rookie Te-Hina Paopao have provided the backcourt foundation for the quick turnaround. Gray was selected as the Eastern Conference player of the month for May after averaging 21.4 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists in the month. She scored a career-high 32 points in a 89-56 win at Washington on June 15 and has reached double figures in every game.
Smesko says he's not surprised Gray has fit in so well with his offense.
'You know, I just thought that she would really thrive in this style,' Smesko said. 'I mean, she makes such good reads. She likes being in a place where she has a lot of freedom and can just look for her opportunities to attack and create shots, rather than just necessarily have to run a play every time down. She's been one of the best players in the league so far this year."
When Gray is scoring in big numbers, the Dream usually win. Atlanta is 10-1 when Gray scores at least 15 points. She made only 3 of 16 shots for 13 points in a rare cold-shooting night in the loss at Dallas.
Gray, the 2017 WNBA Rookie of the Year for Dallas, was acquired by Atlanta in a 2023 trade that sent two first-round draft picks, including a 2025 selection, to the Wings. Gray was an All-Star each of her first two seasons in Atlanta and last year became the first player to win the skills and 3-point competition at All-Star Weekend in Phoenix.
Gray is having her best season in Smesko's system. She ranks sixth in the league with her career-best average of 19.7 points. She also has career-best shooting rates overall (46.7 percent) and on 3-pointers (42.9%).
The fans have noticed. Gray was Atlanta's leader in the first fan voting for next month's WNBA All-Star Game, ranking 14th overall.
Smesko said before Tuesday night's game he believes more consistent defense could produce even better results for the Dream.
'We have good size that can protect the rim,' Smesko said. "So I thought we had the capability of being a good defensive team. Now I will say in my opinion our defense has been inconsistent. There are times when we look like we have maybe the best defense in the league. That's how good we're playing when we're all locked into it. And then there's other times where it looks to me like we're OK with trading baskets for a while.
'I think if we're looking, you know, to take the next step as a team, our offense and our transition game can get better. But I think just being consistent on the defensive end would have the biggest impact.'
___
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
34 minutes ago
- USA Today
Tennessee baseball commit named Two-Way Player of the Year
2026 Tennessee baseball commit Mikee Teasley was named Two-Way Player of the Year by the East Tennessee Baseball Association following his junior season. The junior pitcher and third baseman is from Oak Ridge High School in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. He led the Wildcats to the Class 4A state tournament for a second consecutive season. Teasley was recently named All-State by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association and earned Player of the Year from Prep Xtra on Tuesday. He also earned District 3-4A Player of the Year honors from the league's coaches following the 2025 regular season. The prospect was named All-Region 2 by Tennessee Baseball Report, and recognized on the All-2-Way Team. Teasley (8-2) was honored by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association as a pitcher. He recorded a 1.39 ERA, two shutouts and 129 strikeouts, while allowing 19 walks. Offensively, Teasley recorded a .392 batting average, eight home runs, 40 RBIs, 15 doubles and two triples.
USA Today
43 minutes ago
- USA Today
Why Detroit Tigers might not have Gleyber Torres without Gio Urshela
When Gleyber Torres learned the Detroit Tigers were interested in signing him in free agency, he reached out to one of his closest friends. He wanted to gather as much information as possible before making a decision. He needed someone he could trust with the future of his MLB career. He called Gio Urshela. "I really believe in Gio," Torres said Wednesday, June 25. "We have been friends for many years. He's also the godfather of my son. Whatever advice he has for me, I'm going to take advantage of it." DEFENSE COUNTS: Wenceel Pérez does it all for Detroit Tigers, including two outfield assists in one inning That phone call helped shape the latest chapter of Torres' career after seven seasons with the New York Yankees: signing a one-year, $15 million deal with the Tigers, becoming a lock for the American League All-Star team at second base and positioning himself to command a nine-figure contract. There's a chance Torres would've signed elsewhere if not for Urshela's advice. "He explained everything to me," Torres said. WHEN HE SIGNED: Gleyber Torres bets on himself with Tigers in free agency, keeping $100 million in mind Torres, 28, had multiple offers in free agency, but he was looking for two things: money on a one-year contract to bet on himself and a legitimate chance to win the World Series. The Tigers offered $15 million. And Urshela told him the Tigers could deliver the championship ring. "We talked a lot about it," said Urshela, a 33-year-old third baseman who plays for the Athletics. "He asked me a lot of things. I told him stuff like the way they work here, the way they prepare for games, the talent they have." "I got different offers," Torres said, "but between the Tigers and other teams, I think the Tigers had the best offer. The money was there, but I was looking for a competitive team. I really believed Detroit was the complete package, so I signed the deal." Urshela knew what Torres needed to hear about the Tigers because he experienced it firsthand. He was on the Tigers' roster for most of the 2024 season, including Aug. 11, 2024 — the beginning of the magical 31-11 run to clinch a spot in the postseason. He was designated for assignment Aug. 16, but that didn't sour his experience in Detroit. Since Aug. 11, the Tigers have a 83-44 record — a .653 winning percentage that would translate to 106 wins over 162 games. "When you have a really good clubhouse that's young and together, I think that's a big difference," said Torres, an All-Star for the Yankees in 2018 and 2019. "That's the conversation he had with me. That's why I picked Detroit." WATCH OUT: How Gleyber Torres became an All-Star Game lock again with Tigers The relationship between Torres and Urshela dates back to the 2017 season, when they faced each other at the Triple-A level — Torres with the Yankees, Urshela with the Cleveland Guardians. They knew of each other from social media, but they didn't connect in person until that year. Later, they played together for the Yankees from 2019-21. These days, Torres and Urshela are co-owners of a baseball facility in Tampa, Florida "He's a gamer," Urshela said Tuesday, June 24. "He likes to win. He saw what the Tigers did last year. He's played in the playoffs a lot with the Yankees. He likes to win and go to the playoffs." Here's what Urshela extolled about the Tigers: the young talent on the roster, the selfless culture in the clubhouse, the short- and long-term goals set by president of baseball operations Scott Harris, the way manager A.J. Hinch prepares players for success and even how well the Tigers treat players behind the scenes, including the upgraded team plane. So far, the experience has lived up to the hype. "Everything is so good," Torres said. "What he told me is better in person. I'm glad I had that conversation with him." The Tigers are gaining traction as a desirable destination for players — built on a culture of development, a first-class experience and a commitment to winning. It has already left a strong impression on Torres. "I felt comfortable from the first day," Torres said. "If every free agent has the opportunity to come here, they're going to be glad. This is a winning team, and we always want to compete." In 2025, Torres isn't just along for the ride. He is driving the Tigers' success as the best team in baseball, joining forces with elite pitcher Tarik Skubal and star outfielder Riley Greene. His .384 on-base percentage — a product of 40 walks compared to 36 strikeouts — ranks 11th among qualified MLB players. Torres enjoys playing for Hinch. "A.J. is a great manager and also a great person," Torres said. "How he handles everything is really special. How we play during the season is no surprise. Every coach does his part. And A.J. commands everything really well during the game. The way he matches every bullpen guy and every pinch-hitter is really impressive." Not only has Torres emerged as a leader by example, guiding Javier Báez through a career resurgence by giving him tips about opposing pitchers, but he has also been the top-performing AL second baseman, hitting .280 with seven home runs and an .803 OPS in 68 games. The Tigers have Urshela to thank for Torres' presence, both on and off the field. All it took was one phone call. "He's always been a really good player," Urshela said. "He's a really good friend. We always talk — pretty much every day. I'm really happy for him with the way he's playing this year." Contact Evan Petzold at epetzold@ or follow him @EvanPetzold.
NBC Sports
an hour ago
- NBC Sports
MLB NL Rookie of the Year Predictions: Odds, expert picks, including Jacob Misiorowski, Burns, Ramirez
The National League Rookie of the Year market is beginning to look like a runaway as Jacob Misiorowski attempts to become a household name. The Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher is now listed at -180 at DraftKings Sportsbook after being +1700 prior to his first start. Since June 12, Misiorowski's odds have moved from +1700 to +1100 to +300 to +150 to -110 to -190 and in that span — it's clear that no one else has shined the way he has. Make sure you follow Rotoworld Player News for the latest fantasy and betting player news and analysis all season long. National League Rookie of the Year: Jacob Misiorowski (-180) There is an influx of new generational talent coming up the MLB pipeline from players capable of stealing bases at record rates like Chandler Simpson of the Rays or Paul Skenes starting the All-Star game as a rookie last year for the Pirates — the next in line for stardom is Jacob Misiorowski. In his first three career starts, Misiorowski (-180) has totaled 16.0 innings pitched, 3 wins to 0 losses, 3 hits allowed, 2 earned runs allowed (1.13 ERA), and 19 strikeouts to 7 walks. Misiorowski walked four in his debut start against St. Louis but walked three and struck out 14 over the next two starts. In his MLB debut against the Cardinals, Misiorowski made an immediate impact throwing 100+ MPH pitches in his first three pitches and 11 of his first 24. He recorded the fastest pitch of any Brewer in the statcast era dating back to 2008, plus recorded a no-hitter through 5.0 innings. The 23-year-old is a star. Misiorowski's latest rise came when he went head-to-head with Paul Skenes and the Pirates. It was a sight and very hyped game as these could be two of the best pitchers over the next five to ten years. Skenes is 6-foot-3 and 260 lbs, in other words a tank, while Misiorowski is 6-foot-7 and 197 lbs — a slender assassin. Milwaukee was victorious against Pittsburgh, 4-2, and Misiorowski dominated for his third straight win. Misiorowski went five strong scoreless innings on 74 pitches with eight strikeouts, two walks, and two hits allowed. While Skenes dominated last year and was the talk of the rookie pitching class, it's clear that Misiorowski is the 2025 version. At anything below -250 (DraftKings has -180), Misiorowski is a play because the award is his to lose. If you're looking for more key trends and stats around the spread, moneyline and total for every single game on the schedule today, check out our MLB Top Trends tool on NBC Sports! Cincinnati's Chase Burns (+2500) appeared to be Misiorowski's biggest competition after his MLB debut consisted of eight strikeouts over 5.0 innings against the Yankees, including five of the first six batters. However, Burns could not get out the first inning (0.1 IP) in his next start, on the road at St. Louis. Burns allowed five earned runs (seven runs overall), five hits, two walks and one homer. We can't trust that, so I will pass on Burns. Atlanta's Drake Baldwin (+450) is now second in terms of odds, but has gone cold recently. Baldwin is hitless over the last four games (9 AB) and hitting 0.83 over the past seven days (12 AB). In the last 30 days, Baldwin is hitting .186 with 14 strikeouts to 10 walks, plus 11 hits, 11 RBI, and four homers. Overall, a .273 batting average, 9 home runs and 26 RBI through 57 games isn't anything to hang your head on, but I don't think it will be enough to hang with Misiorowski. Miami's Agustin Ramirez (+1300) has watched his odds decrease in the past week despite Miami's eight-game winning streak. Ramirez is hitting .252 with 12 homers and 33 RBI through 59 games this season and even been hot over the last week with a .417 batting average (24 AB), 10 hits and 6 RBI. If there was another bet to make in this market, it's Ramirez, but something is fishy for him to be playing well and seeing his odds move from +450 to +1300. Keep an eye on Ramirez because he may be the main hedge in this market. Rotoworld still has you covered with all the latest MLB player news for all 30 teams. Check out the feed page right here on NBC Sports for headlines, injuries and transactions where you can filter by league, team, positions and news type! Pittsburgh's Bubba Chandler (+7000) was another player to keep an eye on for NL Rookie of the Year, but his big league debut will be delayed even further after six earned runs allowed over 2.2 innings in his most recent Triple-A start. Chandler was expected to make a debut in May or early June this season, but his struggles have prevented that. Misiorowski's teammates Chad Patrick (+3000) and Isaac Collins (+2500) have made strides in this market, but sharing the spotlight won't earn either many first place votes. The Dodgers' Hyeseong Kim (+2500) is another contender because of his .369 batting average on 31 hits through 38 games, but the sample size is still relatively low. Kim has two homers, seven stolen bags, 12 RBI, 16 runs scored, and 19 strikeouts to five walks, so there isn't a lot of encouragement there outside the batting average. It's obvious that Misiorowski is the play. I already played Misiorowski at +1100 and -110 odds and gave those out here at NBC, so if you haven't bet on him already, you are running out of time. Get involved with Misiorowski one way or another for NL Rookie of the Year as it's his award to lose. Pick: Jacob Misiorowski to win NL Rookie of the Year (Total of 1.5 units risked) Want even more MLB best bets and predictions from our expert staff & tools? Check out the Expert MLB Predictions page from NBC. Follow our experts on socials to keep up with all the latest content from the staff: Vaughn Dalzell (@VmoneySports) Jay Croucher (@croucherJD) Drew Dinsick (@whale_capper) Brad Thomas (@MrBradThomas)
