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Atlanta Dream Face Frontcourt Rebuild After Brionna Jones’ Knee Surgery

The All-Star’s uncertain timeline forces Atlanta to fast‑track Angel Reese’s role under Karl Smesko.

Overview

  • The Dream said Monday that center Brionna Jones had right knee surgery at Emory Hospital, with her return timeline still to be announced.
  • Jones tore a meniscus in January while playing in the Czech Republic, and earlier hopes for a season‑start return are now in doubt.
  • Coaches are weighing Angel Reese at center with Naz Hillmon next to her, and rookie Madina Okot logged practice reps in frontcourt groups.
  • Angel Reese took part in live drills in Karl Smesko’s faster, spacing‑heavy system and said she wants to be coached hard to speed her growth.
  • Jones averaged 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds last year for Atlanta, so her absence could reshape minutes and roles before the April 29 preseason opener at Chicago.