“When you think about a Stockton and Malone, right… They (Clark and Boston) are going to go down as the greatest,”said Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White. Bold? For sure. But also…kinda obvious at this point. Karl Malone and John Stockton were one of the most iconic NBA duo ever. And if you’ve been watching Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston run the show in Indiana, you already know what Coach White means. The connection is real. The chemistry is off the charts.
Clark and Boston thrived in the spotlight, together. Whether it’s ending Indiana’s playoff drought that went all the way back to 2016, making All-Star appearances side-by-side, or going undefeated in the preseason, they’ve been doing this whole “carrying a franchise” thing like it’s second nature.
It’s like they lived the same basketball life in different fonts – both No.1 picks, both Rookie of the Year winners, and now both anchoring a Fever squad that’s not just hopeful but hungry for a chip. We all know Clark’s been the offensive engine. She wrapped up her rookie campaign averaging 19.2 points, 5.7 boards, and 8.4 assists per game.
But it was the Fever’s Big 3 – especially the duo of Clark and Boston – that lit the fire for Indiana’s rebirth. Sure, early season chemistry took a minute to click, but once it did, they were cooking. By the end of the year, you couldn’t talk about top WNBA duos without mentioning these two. Boston and Clark have this sisterhood energy. Remember back in August when Clark was mic’d up telling her, “You’ll be amazing because you’re amazing.” While it’s been their little gameday ritual, CC is never shy about highlighting the 23-year-old teammate’s leadership qualities every now and then.
Jun 10, 2024; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and guard Caitlin Clark (22) react after a basket against the Connecticut Sun in the first quarter at Mohegan Sun Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images
Now, White’s trusting Boston, not just as a star, but as the hub of the whole offense. White broke it down, “It’s a little bit different in our system than what she’s used to… right now, we want to use AB as a hub.” A hub is the player everything flows through. The plays, the ball, the decisions.. it all runs through them. Honestly, who better than Boston?
She’s been growing as a playmaker. Her assist numbers tell you that. From 2.7 assists in her rookie season to 3.2 last year is growth. That’s someone who’s starting to see the game on a different level. And she is one of Indiana’s most talented players, hands down. However, given that she has solely been used in the post during the first two seasons, there’s an argument to be made that she has just scratched the surface of her potential.
The best part is Boston’s not even blinking at the new responsibility. When asked if this would be a big adjustment, she was cool as ever: “Not really… I feel like last year I was kind of that hub but it was on the block. But now I’m the hub, it could be the mid-post, the three, the corner. So it varies… it’s just really understanding where I’m at on the floor and what my next move should be.” Boston’s ability to operate effectively from various spots on the court – be it the mid-post, perimeter, or even the three-point line – adds a layer of unpredictability.
Let’s see, after picking up the fourth-year team option, how she takes on that role. For starters, if you’re wondering what exactly her role might look like, you may think of an NBA star.
Stephanie White compares Boston’s role to Jokic
Indiana Fever fans look ahead to the team’s revamped offense under new head coach Stephanie White. Known for her strategic mind on both sides of the court, White’s plans for the offense, particularly with standout player Aliyah Boston.
In an interview on the Good Follow show, White compared the 2023 RoTy to an NBA stars as she said, “We’re going to use her a little more like a hub, like a Nikola Jokic, where she gets the ball and is involved in creating for others.” Comparing Boston to Jokic, the reigning three-time NBA MVP, instantly raises expectations. Jokic is a center who acts as a playmaker…running the offense, dishing assists, and reading the floor like a point guard.
White envisions a similar role for the forward, where she’s not just a scorer but a creator. Standing at 6’5″ with the strength and footwork to draw defenders, Boston’s court vision and basketball IQ make this shift very much possible. From the high post, she can spot cutters, exploit double-teams, and create passing angles. When paired in pick-and-rolls with players like Clark or Kelsey Mitchell, she’s a matchup nightmare. Caitlin has already noticed Boston’s passing ability. She’s praised her “smooth passing,” her spacing awareness, and how she “glides through defenses.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JUNE 24: Aliyah Boston #7 of the Indiana Fever walks on the court during a break in the fourth quarter of a game against the Las Vegas Aces at Michelob ULTRA Arena on June 24, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the Fever 101-88. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
So, all in all, this season is going to be about how her decision-making and movement can change the flow of the game. Fans are definitely in for an exciting season ahead with this new Fever team and coach!
The post Caitlin Clark’s 9- Month Old Comments Prove Prophetic As Indiana Fever HC Chooses Teammate As ‘Hub’ Of The Team appeared first on EssentiallySports.
