Atlanta Dream get roster down to 12 players

Atlanta Dream head coach Nicki Collen shouts instructions to her team.

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Credit: Hyosub Shin

Atlanta Dream head coach Nicki Collen shouts instructions to her team.

The Dream trimmed their 2020 roster to 12 players – four returners and eight newcomers – Tuesday, the team announced.

The WNBA team had to make roster moves despite not having a training camp as the league is on hold because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Pay to players is to begin June 1.

“While this was never the way I envisioned getting to 12, I am excited by the talent, experience and versatility that this roster gives us,” coach Nicki Collen said in a statement. “We have the ability to play fast and spread the floor offensively with threats to score the basketball at all five positions, regardless of lineup.”

To get to 12 players, the Dream announced that Maite Cazorla, Mikayla Pivec and Kobi Thornton have elected to forego the 2020 season, and that Elīna Babkina, who had signed a training-camp contract, was waived.

Dream veterans Tiffany Hayes, Elizabeth Williams, Renee Montgomery and Monique Billings return. The team revamped its roster this offseason, acquiring Courtney Williams, Kalani Brown, Glory Johnson, Shekinna Stricklen, Alexis Jones and Blake Dietrick in free agency. Rookies Chennedy Carter and Brittany Brewer were selected in the draft.

“While we only have four returners, I am confident in the leadership capabilities they bring to help push as well as nurture the rookies and new players,” Collen said.