Atlanta Dream Cuts Ties with Santa Cruz Native Haley Jones

Haley Jones Waived by Atlanta Dream: A Shocking Move in the WNBA

Haley Jones WNBA

Source: KSBW

Atlanta Dream’s Bold Decision

In a surprising turn of events within the WNBA, the Atlanta Dream made headlines by waiving their 2023 sixth overall draft pick, Haley Jones, a talented guard hailing from Santa Cruz. This decision came as the team made critical cuts to finalize their 12-person roster, a move that caught many fans and analysts off guard.

Haley Jones: A Brief Career Overview

Haley Jones, a distinguished former Stanford University standout, joined the Atlanta Dream with high expectations placed on her shoulders. During her three-year stint with the team, she played in a total of 80 games, starting in 30 of them. In her time on the court:

  • She averaged 3.8 points per game.
  • Contributed 2.3 rebounds and 2.2 assists in approximately 16.2 minutes of playtime.

Jones had a remarkable collegiate career, being recognized as a McDonald’s All-American and earning All-Pac 12 honors on three occasions. Her standout performance during the NCAA Tournament earned her the title of Most Outstanding Player in 2021, leading her team to victory and securing the NCAA Championship.

Notably, her talent did not go unrecognized at the professional level, as she was also named to the WNBA All-Rookie First Team… a mark of her impressive debut season.

Reaction to the Waiving of Haley Jones

The decision to waive such a promising player has stirred conversations among fans and analysts alike. Many have expressed disbelief at the Atlanta Dream’s choice, considering Jones’ potential and past performance. The team’s roster changes might have strategic implications that are yet to be fully understood, especially when shedding a player who has shown glimpses of greatness.

As per the Atlanta Dream, this roster move is part of their ongoing plan to configure their team for upcoming seasons, but it’s unclear how this decision affects the overall dynamics of the squad moving forward.

What Lies Ahead for Haley Jones?

For Jones, the pathway forward is uncertain but filled with possibilities. With her considerable talent and skill set, there are certainly opportunities to be found with other teams in the league looking to bolster their rosters. As she transitions from this unexpected change, fans will undoubtedly keep a close eye on her next moves, hoping to see her back on the court soon.

Recent Highlights of Haley’s Career

To truly appreciate Jones’s journey, it’s essential to look back at her achievements:

  • McDonald’s All-American: A title that highlights her high school prowess.
  • Three-time All-Pac 12 honoree: A testament to her collegiate performance and consistency.
  • NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player: Recognizing her pivotal role in Stanford’s championship run.
  • WNBA All-Rookie First Team: A recognition that spoke to her readiness for the professional game.

As the WNBA landscape continues to evolve, Haley Jones remains a player to watch. While this chapter with the Atlanta Dream has concluded, her story is far from over.

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haley jones, atlanta dream, wnba, women’s basketball, stanford basketball, sports news, athlete milestones, college basketball, roster cuts, basketball career

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