The Valkyries have three players averaging double figures and two right behind them. Golden State comes at opponents in waves, with 10 players averaging 10 or more minutes in the playoffs.<\/p>\n
Contrast that to the Fever, who relied on Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aliyah Boston for the vast majority of their total production.<\/p>\n
Then there’s the defense. The Valkyries were first in defensive rating, the Dream third. Indiana finished in eighth. The Fever desperately need to add length and athleticism to the roster.<\/p>\n
Who Will Make the Calls?<\/p>\n
Aside from knowing there needs to be upgrades, the Fever must determine whether the proper leadership is in place to make these decisions.<\/p>\n
GM Amber Cox failed to put the proper support system around the team’s stars in 2026. In fact, the Fever’s two highest-salaried players outside of Mitchell and Boston, Monique Billings and Lexie Hull, played only 19 and 9.7 minutes per game in the postseason respectively\u2014combining to average 5 points.<\/p>\n
Head coach Stephanie White faced criticism throughout the season as well, which included her being booed at Gainbridge Fieldhouse after she didn’t stand up for Sophie Cunningham following a flagrant foul she was on the receiving end of by Chicago Sky guard DiJonai Carrington.<\/p>\n
The Fever struggled defensively, which is supposed to be White’s calling card, and seemed to move away<\/a> from simple actions that worked without the opposition proving they could stop them at times.<\/p>\n There’s certainly a case to be made that an overhaul to the front office and coaching staff may be necessary for Indiana to fully move into the next era.<\/p>\n Embrace Caitlin Clark<\/p>\n Of course, anything the Fever do should be with Clark in mind. Too often, it feels as though those associated with the franchise are tolerating the attention that comes with Clark rather than fully embracing it.<\/a><\/p>\n All decisions the Fever make should be with Clark in mind. That goes for roster construction, playing style, and everything in between.<\/p>\n Clark improved on many aspects of her game in her third professional season. But the team could still stand to play to the strengths of her improvisational instincts more often, with a steady diet of high ball screens and other similar actions. Clark must continue to grow off the ball <\/a>as well, so Indiana can have the balanced attack mentioned above.<\/p>\n To her credit, Clark appears willing to make sacrifices <\/a>so the franchise can maximize the talent around her. She is due for a max contract but seemed amenable to team-friendly terms. Regardless, Clark should be involved in all the big decisions forthcoming.<\/p>\n Kelsey Mitchell’s Future Is Key<\/p>\n
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