Ariel Atkins Brings Shooting, Defense And Leadership To Reshaped Sparks Team

When the Los Angeles Sparks acquired Ariel Atkins during the offseason, the team expected to add a proven veteran capable of making an impact on both ends of the floor. What they may not have anticipated was how much her style of play would influence the way the team approaches offense.

Head coach Lynne Roberts has long built her offensive philosophy around attacking the basket and creating three-point opportunities. Dating back to her coaching days at the collegiate level, Roberts has emphasized efficiency and limiting lower-value shots. However, Atkins’ ability to consistently knock down midrange jumpers has caused the coach to reconsider that approach.

After watching Atkins operate from the elbow and around the free-throw line area, Roberts joked that the veteran guard had made her rethink her previous stance on midrange shooting. For Atkins, though, the shot has always been a major part of her game and remains one of her biggest strengths.

The nine-year veteran believes the midrange game still has value, especially when executed by players who have developed confidence and consistency. As she adjusts to a new role with the Sparks, Atkins is showing that versatility can be just as important as following modern basketball trends.

1. Changing The Offensive Approach

Atkins has built a reputation as one of the league’s most reliable midrange shooters, especially from the area just outside the paint. During her time with the Chicago Sky and Washington Mystics, she posted impressive shooting numbers from 10 to 16 feet, proving that the shot remains an effective weapon. While many modern offenses prioritize shots at the rim and three-pointers, Atkins believes the midrange jumper still has a place in the game. She explained that the reason many players avoid the shot is because not everyone can consistently make it. For Atkins, the ability to create a pull-up jumper gives her another way to attack defenses. She understands the value of three-point shooting but believes that if a defense gives her space in her preferred spots, she can take advantage. Roberts shares a similar perspective when it comes to Atkins. The coach is not against midrange shots in general; instead, she wants players taking shots that fit their individual strengths. Since Atkins has proven she can make those attempts efficiently, Roberts encourages her to continue using that part of her game.

2. Finding A New Role With Los Angeles

Atkins’ responsibilities with the Sparks are different from what she experienced last season in Chicago. With the Sky, she was often asked to create offense with the ball in her hands, especially after injuries affected the team’s backcourt depth. In Los Angeles, Atkins has more opportunities to play without the ball alongside guards like Kelsey Plum and Erica Wheeler. The change has allowed her to focus more on spacing the floor, moving without the ball, and taking advantage of open shooting opportunities. Throughout her career, Atkins has been a dependable three-point shooter, owning a career average around 35 percent from beyond the arc. Although her early-season shooting numbers have not matched her usual standards, the Sparks believe her ability will eventually translate. Atkins has embraced the adjustment and views it as part of the natural evolution of her career. She believes adapting to new roles is one of the most important parts of basketball, and she has enjoyed receiving more catch-and-shoot chances than she has in recent seasons.

3. Defense And Veteran Leadership

While Atkins’ offensive contributions are important, her defensive ability was one of the biggest reasons the Sparks wanted to bring her in. Improving on that end of the floor was a major priority for Los Angeles, and Atkins immediately provided a veteran presence. Atkins has been recognized as one of the league’s top perimeter defenders throughout her career. She earned All-Defensive Team honors multiple times, including a First Team selection, and has consistently been trusted with difficult defensive assignments. Her impact is often seen beyond the box score. During a win over Phoenix, Atkins helped set the tone defensively after returning from the concussion protocol, creating pressure through deflections and active plays that do not always appear in traditional statistics. She later took on a major assignment against Las Vegas star Jackie Young, limiting one of the league’s elite players. For Atkins, defense has always been about effort and control, which is why she values that part of her game so highly.