The Indiana Fever needs size, toughness and rebounding in 2027.
Despite a franchise-record 28-win season in 2026 — which included a scorching run of performances from Caitlin Clark in the second half of the year — the Fever suffered a first round playoff exit to the Las Vegas Aces.
Indiana’s defense continues to come under scrutiny, and it is feasible to think head coach Stephanie White — and whomever the franchise hires as its next general manager — will try to address that side of the ball in April’s WNBA draft.
MORE: Nancy Lieberman gives Caitlin Clark a reminder every athlete needs
With the college basketball season set to get underway, ESPN’s 2027 mock draft published Tuesday predicted that the Fever would select the “relentless” Khamil Pierre with the 10th overall pick.
Soon we will turn our attention to the college game’s top talent that could be headed to the WNBA next year 👀 1️⃣ JuJu Watkins 2️⃣ Madison Booker 3️⃣ Hannah Hidalgo Full 2027 mock draft ⤵️ https://t.co/pS9TuzXWHY
— espnW (@espnW) October 27, 2026
Pierre, entering her senior year at North Carolina State, led the ACC in rebounding last season — and set a program record — at 11.9 boards per game. ESPN’s Michael Voepel describes 6’2” forward as “relentless” in the paint, though she doesn’t space the floor as a three-point shooter.
However, Pierre is money in the restricted area. The Vanderbilt transfer shot 52.5 percent from the floor in 2025-26 and averaged 16.7 points as the Wolfpack reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
Two words: Khamil Pierre 🫣 https://t.co/eyTePw4fr4
— NC State WBB 🐺🏀 (@PackWomensBball) October 19, 2026
Pierre would add size and rebounding instinct on the interior in Indiana, while the Fever should have enough options to cover for her as a non-shooter.
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