Atlanta Dream guard Tiffany Hayes is the latest WNBA player to announce her decision to opt out of the 2020 season. She joins her teammate, Renee Montgomery, in the decision to sit out and focus on other areas outside of the court.
"After much thought and consideration, I hvae decided to opt out of the 2020 season," Hayes said in her announcement. "This was not an easy decision but I believe it is in my best interest with everything going on right now. Although I love playing this game, I believe there are much more important things to be thinking about in this moment."
"… I want to thank my teammates, coaches and the Dream organization for supporting my decision. I wish them best of luck in Florida and look forward to getting back on the court in 2021 for Atlanta.” – @tiphayes3
— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) June 23, 2020
"I want to thank my teammates, coaches and the Dream organization for supporting my decision," Hayes continued. "I wish the best of luck in Florida and look forward to getting back on the court in 2021 for Atlanta."
The eight-year WNBA vet has spent her entire career with the Dream who drafted her in 2012. She has averaged 13.6 points, 3.3 rebound and 2.4 assists per game. She currently has 3,342 career points which ranks second all-time in Atlanta Dream history. Hayes was named to the WNBA Rookie Team in 2012, an All Star in 2017, and was named to the WNBA First Team in 2018.
It is unknown at this time who else will sit out, but the players have until June 25 to let the league know of their intent to play or not. The 22-game WNBA season is scheduled to begin in late July following training camp and will take place at IMG Academy in Florida.
