ATLANTA – The Atlanta Dream have signed unrestricted free agent Shekinna Stricklen to a two-year contract, the team announced Sunday.
Per team policy, contract details were not released.
Stricklen, a 6-2 forward out of Tennessee, was chosen second overall in the 2012 WNBA Draft, just two picks before her Lady Vols – and, now, Atlanta Dream – teammate, Glory Johnson. She was drafted by the Seattle Storm, but has spent the last five seasons with the Connecticut Sun.
“When we ended last season we knew we had to prioritize shooting during this free agency period,” Head Coach Nicki Collen said. “What we are getting in Shekinna Stricklen is an incredible shooter with size that can make shots on the move or standstill, and also has a great understanding of how to get herself open shots.”
The winner of the 2019 WNBA All-Star Three-Point Contest, Stricklen finished the regular season with the third-most made three-pointers (76) and three-pointers attempted (199) in the league. She went on to lead the Sun to the WNBA Finals, where she scored in double figures three times over the five-game series against Washington.
In 2019, Stricklen started in all 34 games participated in for the first time in her career, averaging 9.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 23.7 minutes per game. Over her career, Stricklen has averaged 7.7 points per contest and ranked 19th all-time in WNBA history with 421 career three-pointers made.
“I was lucky enough to coach Shekinna in Connecticut for two years, and I know she is the full package when it comes to the intangibles: a great teammate, a dedicated worker and joyful competitor,” Collen said. “I’m very excited to welcome Strick to the ATL!”
With USA Basketball, Stricklen has won two gold medals, first with the U18 team at the 2008 FIBA Americas Championship in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and again at the 2011 World University Games in Shenzhen, China.
Prior to being drafted, Stricklen led the Lady Vols to two regular season SEC Championships and three SEC Tournament titles under legendary coach Pat Summitt.
TRANSACTION: Atlanta Dream sign unrestricted free agent Shekinna Stricklen to a two-year contract.
2020 Dream season and group tickets are on sale now. Visit www.atlantadream.net or call 877-977-7729 for more information.
The Atlanta Dream will tip-off their 13th season in the WNBA on May 15, 2020. Atlanta holds the No. 4 pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft. The organization, who will play its home games at the Gateway Center Arena @ College Park, has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in nine of its first 12 seasons.