When Tamika Catchings’ legendary career came to a close, the Indiana Fever lingered among the shadows for a long time. But then came a certain Caitlin Clark. “A championship pedigree,” she’d call it in her introductory press. “I think people couldn’t be more excited about where this organization is going with the people on this roster and the potential.” And well, they did not disappoint, snapping their 8-year play-off drought. And if the 2024 free agency was any indicator, they aren’t planning to, either. Just ask the Minnesota Lynx veteran.
In her interview with NBC Sports, Courtney Williams said, “I am like dang okay DB [Bonner] going to Indy, Natasha Howard going to Indy like Indy bout to be stacked like Indy bout to be looking good.”
The big three of the Fever– Caitlin Clark, Aaliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell had an All-Star outing last campaign, and the backcourt duo delivered a combined average of 51.3 points a few games into the post-Olympic break season. But the real need? Championship-winning experience. New head coach Stephanie White was clear about the priorities entering the off season, and evidently, they ensured to pick the right pieces.
DeWanna Bonner comes as a two-time champion and with a fire to add one more. Natasha Howard, on the other hand, brings the finals experience from two different teams. How’s that for a presence to fill a veteran void on a young team! Of course, the franchise had to move around some important pieces, including Katie Lou Samuelson. But with a cap space of $112,000, a couple of roster spots, and a team balancing young talent and experience, they are right up in the championship contender list.
Having taken notice, Williams is asking the 11 other teams, her’s excluded, to watch out.
Oct 18, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx guard Courtney Williams (10) celebrates her teams win after game four of the 2024 WNBA Finals against the New York Liberty at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
“I’m not gon lie but Indy bout to be a little scary! like we ain’t scared but they gon be a little scary for other people,” she added.
Rightly, the star guard has no reason to fear just yet, after all, the Lynx are bringing back the same starting lineup that took them to the finals last year. The continuity in their roster is a big advantage for them. Moreover, they made a notable addition in Marieme Badiane, who returned home with a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, playing for French national team. The Lynx are stacked but so is Indiana. Could we see a new top-2 this year?
Head coach remains optimistic about the new team surrounding Caitlin Clark
The Fever, to their credit, have done a phenomenal job in the free agency and trade market in the off season. Not only did they get DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard in, they also got Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham! The addition of Bonner and Howard will solve their defensive issues in the wing and post, and the addition of Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham will give them the guard depth they need.
New coach Stephanie White was absolutely delighted with the moves the Fever front office made, saying, “We got to surround our big 3 with great veteran players that complement them, and I think we have done that. We were fortunate to do both (free agency and adding depth). It puts us in a position to compete.”
ESPN’s Michael Voepel was impressed too! He gave the Fever a high grade of A for their activities in the off season, saying, “The end result: a team that should be stronger defensively than last season and run the floor well with Clark as point guard.”
The expectations are high for the Indiana Fever this season. With the addition of championship-caliber players who can step up and protect Caitlin Clark on the court, this team is looking primed for success! Whether it’s Courtney Williams’ Minnesota or Breanna Stewart’s New York, one thing is for sure– they all have their eyes on the newly resurgent Indiana Fever!
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