Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry will take time to rest during the 2017 season, the team announced Wednesday.
McCoughtry is just 10 points away from a career 5,000 points. She has played her entire WNBA career with the Dream after being selected the No. 1 overall pick out of Louisville in 2009.
The eight-year veteran is under contract through the 2018 season.
In a letter to fans, McCoughtry writes:
"I love the game of basketball very much. It has given me an incredible new hometown here in Atlanta and provided amazing opportunities on the world stage. Since the beginning of my senior season at the University of Louisville, I have played a continuous year-round schedule with no offseason. It has been an incredible eight years, but this dynamic schedule also takes its toll both mentally and physically. After much careful thought and consideration, I have decided to take time off during the 2017 WNBA season.
"I know this decision will allow me to come back and play to the best of my ability and it is my hope that this decision ultimately will benefit the Atlanta Dream long-term. My heart is always with Atlanta, and my goal is to bring a championship to this city, organization and our great fans. I plan on achieving this goal. I know I can count on your understanding and support."
-- Angel
McCoughtry averaged 19.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.8 steals, while leading the Dream to the second round of the WNBA Playoffs last season. She won her second Olympics gold medal with Team USA in Rio last summer.
“I know it is a very difficult decision that Angel is making but is one she has to make for herself,” Dream coach Michael Cooper said in a statement. “As head coach of the Dream, I’ll continue to strive to put the best players on the court as we move toward bringing a championship to the city of Atlanta.”
The Dream open the 2017 season on Saturday, May 13 at the Connecticut Sun.
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