ATLANTA — Atlanta Dream guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough’s year has probably looked different from what she imagined when she signed with the team during the WNBA offseason. However, it hasn’t changed her approach to her tenure with Atlanta.
Admittedly, the former Washington Mystic has a career low in points and, at times, has looked timid on the court, often passing up the ball to other teammates. Still, the veteran guard says that she’s staying ready and doing anything head coach Karl Smesko asks.
“Obviously, we’re succeeding. At the end of the day, that’s the ultimate goal,” Walker-Kimbrough told the media ahead of an August 3 matchup against the Washington Mystics. “At the same time, understanding [I’m] still nine years in. So just being able to lead vocally and be present vocally as well.”
Walker Kimbrough shared that the entire season has been an “adjustment”, but she’s used it to continue being available when her number is called and learn about teammates on a personal level.
“I’ve been really close with Nia [Coffey.] [Te-Hina Paopao] and Taylor [Thierry] keep me young. Naz [Hillmon] is great — phenomenal. I love Kamiah [Smalls], our new addition, ” she said as she rattled off nearly every teammate.
Smalls signed with the team on August 1 on a seven-day contract, and Walker Kimbrough took it upon herself to show her the ropes, including showing the former Minnesota Lynx guard around and what’s available to her. That sort of hospitality and generosity was not lost on Smalls, who had nothing but glowing things to say about the Dream.
“I love it so far. They’ve welcomed me with open arms, every single person, every single coach.” Smalls said Sunday. “Shatori [Walker-Kimbrough] has really been a big help for me, coming in here as a vet. She’s just helping me to get adjusted a little bit, get my feel in the “A” — hopefully get a little bit of tick here and there.”
Even with adding Smalls to the Dream’s roster, Walker-Kimbrough’s approach to understanding her role in every capacity has remained the same. However, she gives some of that credit to the franchise.
“I think that’s a testament to our front office bringing in great people, great characters,” she explained.
“Everyone’s open to communication. … At the end of the day, we all wanna win. We all want the best. There’s an overall understanding of that. Again, I think that’s a testament to the type of people coach brought in.”
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