Atlanta Dream rookie Rhyne Howard is off to a good start in her first WNBA season. She made the All-Star team as a rookie and will play on Team Wilson. “This is just a great experience, and just a great opportunity to be a part of, “Howard said. “So what it means to me, just that I’ve been working hard and that it’s coming to fruition.”
Howard also competed in the Skills Challenge and three-point contest on Saturday afternoon. The rookie had 24 first-round points, which got her to the second round. In the second round, Howard scored 14 points and was eliminated. Howard and Kelsey Plum are the only two players to compete in the Skills Challenge, Three-Point Contest, and play in the All-Star game.
“I’m super excited for all three,” Howard said. “They asked me if I wanted to do it, I was like, sure, just put me in it. But I think that just shows like me and Kelsey, like we can both shoot, we can both play make. I feel like amongst other players, but I feel like that’s just a part of All-Star Weekend is just having fun, and I feel like those events are fun.”
Howard is averaging 15.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2,6 assists, and 1.5 steals per game im her rookie campaign. She is a three-level scorer, and Howard can defend well. Howard is having fun playing in Atlanta.
“Atlanta is a really fun city and it’s super great,” Howard said. “It’s a sports city, so all of our games are close to sold out or sold out. Just to be in there and be around that environment is just fun in itself. I couldn’t imagine going to somewhere where it’s like super empty, not that I’m saying other places are, but I think Atlanta is a great place for a rookie.”
The former Kentucky star has won Rookie of the Month for May and June. In June, Howard averaged 14.3 points and 2.7 assists while making 2.1 3-pointers per game. Those stats are the best of all the rookies. Howard also won Eastern Conference Player of the Week in May. She is fun to watch, and the scary part is that she still has room to improve. Howard will be interesting to watch for years to come.
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