Atlanta Dream Waives 2023 Draft Pick Haley Jones as Roster Finalizes

ATLANTA, Georgia — The Atlanta Dream announced on Wednesday that they have waived Haley Jones, the team’s 2023 sixth overall draft pick. This surprising decision comes as the Dream finalizes their 12-player roster ahead of the upcoming WNBA season.

Jones, a native of Santa Cruz, California, averaged 3.8 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 80 games during her three-year tenure with the Dream. She made 30 starts in that period and played an average of 16.2 minutes per game.

Before joining the Dream, Jones garnered significant recognition as a player at Stanford University. She was a McDonald’s All-American, a three-time All-Pac 12 honoree, and earned spots on the NCAA All-American First, Second, and Third Teams. In 2021, she led Stanford to an NCAA Championship and was named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player.

Jones’s accolades continued as she was also selected for the WNBA All-Rookie First Team following her debut season, marking her as a promising talent in professional basketball.

The Dream’s move to waive Jones has sparked reactions among fans and basketball analysts alike, with many questioning the decision given her strong track record.

The official Atlanta Dream Twitter account confirmed the news, stating simply, “The Atlanta Dream have waived guard/forward Haley Jones.” As the team moves forward, the implications of this decision will unfold in the coming weeks.