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Head Coach Marynell Meadors 2008 Key Additions Chantelle Anderson Iziane Castro Marques Erika Desouza Katie Feenstra Kristin Haynie Jennifer Lacy Ivory Latta Betty Lennox Yelena Leuchanka Stacey Lovelace Kristen Mann Ann Strother Carla Thomas Ann Wauters

Many of the Dream's selections from the expansion draft included young players who have yet to reach their potential because of the experience that stood in front of them on their previous teams. Players like Erika Desouza, Ivory Latta, Kristin Haynie, Carla Thomas and Katie Feenstra all will be asked to step up moreso than in years past. Atlanta still has its share of veterans, highlighted by Iziane Castro Marques and Betty Lennox, who will provide the team with seasoned talent and leadership. However, the team's success will likely depend on how well the unproven players can fulfill the responsibilities of their new and larger roles.

Castro Marques and Lennox possess the Dream's best WNBA resumes, combining for 13 years of experience. Each started all 34 games last season for Seattle and thus will probably be expected to carry the Dream on their shoulders as the team goes through its growing pains.

Youngsters like Latta will be thrown right into the fire, allowing them to blossom more quickly than your typical WNBA novices. For Latta, minutes will definitely increase from last season, which she spent with the veteran-laden Detroit Shock. Besides being a strong outside shooter just a year removed from a very successful career at UNC, the South Carolina native will no doubt be a fan favorite because of her Southern roots and her passionate style of play.

To acquire talents like Castro Marques and Latta, Atlanta had to do some dealing during the expansion draft -- a busy day for head coach/GM Marynell Meadors that included moving and swapping draft picks. The Dream traded the fourth overall pick in the draft and guard Roneeka Hodges to Seattle in exchange for the eighth pick in the draft and Castro Marques. They also traded the 18th draft pick and forward LaToya Thomas to Detroit in exchange for Latta. Finally, the Dream managed to acquire the 24th overall draft pick from Indiana in exchange for agreeing not to select specific unprotected Fever players.

Having two proven players (Lennox, Castro-Marques) and a potential star (Latta) in the back court may cause the Dream to look to the post when draft day arrives. However, like any expansion team entering its maiden voyage, the Dream simply need as much talent as they can get, so drafting for position might not be a top priority for Meadors when Atlanta goes on the clock.

While the Dream do not currently possess a true superstar, they do have a well-balanced roster that is full of potential. Their ability to compete and succeed in their inaugural season will depend greatly on how quickly the team develops chemistry. As a result, finding the right players to add to the mix will obviously affect how they use their three draft picks as well.