The 2025 WNBA season has been a canvas for emergent talent, showcasing a new wave of stars poised to leave their indelible mark on the league. Among them, one rookie has not just arrived but has exploded onto the scene with a brilliance that can only be described as radiant: Te-Hina Paopao of the Atlanta Dream. Drafted 18th overall in the second round of the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paopao has defied her draft position, igniting the Atlanta Dream with her exceptional long-range shooting and elite all-around guard play. Her impact has been immediate and profound, transforming the Dream into a more potent and dynamic offensive force, and cementing her status as one of the most exciting rookies in the league.
Coming out of a storied collegiate career at Oregon and culminating in a National Championship with South Carolina in 2024, Paopao was known for her high basketball IQ, playmaking abilities, and a smooth, reliable jump shot. However, even with her impressive college resume – leading the nation in three-point shooting percentage at 46.8% in her final year with South Carolina – some questioned how her game would translate to the professional level. The WNBA is a league of unparalleled athleticism and defensive intensity, and the transition for even highly touted rookies can be challenging. Paopao, however, has not merely transitioned; she has flourished, proving her doubters wrong with every swish of the net.
The Atlanta Dream, a team that finished the 2024 season with a 15-25 record and struggled with offensive consistency, particularly from beyond the arc (they were among the worst three-point shooting teams in the WNBA in 2024), recognized a critical need for a player like Paopao. Their faith in selecting her at pick 18 is now being repaid tenfold. Paopao’s arrival has been nothing short of a revelation, providing the much-needed spacing and offensive firepower that was previously missing.
Paopao’s signature skill is undoubtedly her elite three-point shooting. She has consistently demonstrated an ability to knock down shots from deep with remarkable efficiency, quickly establishing herself as a premier long-range threat in the WNBA. Through the early part of the 2025 season, she has been leading the entire league in three-point percentage, reportedly hovering around a scorching 57.1%. This isn’t on low volume either; she’s taking a significant number of attempts per game, forcing opposing defenses to respect her range from the moment she crosses half-court.
Her shooting prowess is more than just impressive statistics; it has a cascading effect on the entire Atlanta Dream offense. Her ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for dynamic players like Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray, who can now attack the rim with less congestion. Defenses are forced to commit defenders to Paopao on the perimeter, creating opportunities for cutters and post-ups. This spacing is invaluable, making the Dream’s offense significantly harder to guard and allowing their established stars to operate with more freedom.
In recent games, Paopao has put on dazzling displays. A standout performance against the Chicago Sky on June 22, 2025, saw her rack up 16 points, hitting an incredible 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. This kind of efficiency, combined with her quick release, makes her a legitimate “long-range laser show” that ignites the crowd and demoralizes opponents. She is consistently demonstrating a confidence and composure well beyond her years, taking big shots in crucial moments and delivering under pressure.
While her shooting has grabbed headlines, Paopao’s “Rookie Radiance” extends far beyond her three-point stroke. She possesses a versatile game that is benefiting the Dream in numerous ways:
- Playmaking and Ball-Handling: As a backup point guard, Paopao has shown a strong understanding of the offense, capably bringing the ball up the floor and initiating sets. She averages nearly two assists per game in limited minutes, showcasing her ability to facilitate for her teammates. Her coaches and teammates trust her with the ball, a significant vote of confidence for a rookie.
- Composure and Basketball IQ: Paopao plays with a veteran’s poise. She doesn’t get rattled easily and makes smart decisions with the ball. Her high basketball IQ, a trait that was evident throughout her college career, has translated seamlessly to the professional level. She understands spacing, recognizes defensive reads, and knows when to shoot, drive, or pass.
- Defensive Contributions: While known primarily for her offense, Paopao is not a liability on defense. She is a gritty competitor who works hard on that end of the floor, contributing to the Dream’s overall defensive effort.
- Role as a Spark Plug: Often coming off the bench, Paopao provides an instant offensive spark for the Dream’s second unit. She’s been crucial in helping the team maintain momentum or close gaps, with her ability to quickly rack up points and shift the energy of the game. Her presence has seemingly helped the Dream address some of their previous fourth-quarter wobbles, showing their second unit can be counted on.
- Team Trust and Culture Fit: Teammates like Naz Hillmon have praised Paopao’s focus, intensity, and willingness to always be ready. Her ability to earn the trust of her teammates so quickly, by consistently knocking down shots and making smart plays, speaks volumes about her character and coachability. Her fit within the Dream’s system and culture appears to be perfect.
Paopao’s success is a compelling story for several reasons. Being drafted 18th overall, she wasn’t a top-tier lottery pick, and some analysts questioned if her skills would fully transfer from college to the WNBA. Yet, she’s outperforming many of her highly-touted rookie peers. This includes the fact that a team that struggled so much with three-point shooting in 2024 passed on her multiple times, only for her to land with Atlanta and immediately become the league’s top three-point shooter. This narrative of exceeding expectations makes her arrival all the more impactful.
The Atlanta Dream, under their new head coach (following Tanisha Wright’s departure after the 2024 season), are experiencing a significant turnaround. With Paopao’s offensive brilliance complementing the talents of Rhyne Howard, Allisha Gray, and others, the Dream are now positioned as a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. Their current record, reportedly 10-4 and second in the Eastern Conference, reflects this significant improvement. Paopao’s elite arrival is not just a personal triumph; it’s a fundamental reason behind the Dream’s ignited play and newfound competitive fire.
As the 2025 WNBA season progresses, all eyes will remain on Te-Hina Paopao. Her long-range laser show has already put the league on notice, but her overall game and infectious energy are proving that she is far more than just a shooter. She is a foundational piece for the Atlanta Dream, a rookie who radiates talent, composure, and a burning desire to win, illuminating a bright future for her and her team.
