Years of missing the playoffs eventually paid off for the Indiana Fever. They won the jackpot when they got two consecutive number-one draft picks, bringing Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark to Indiana. The two have already established themselves as All-Star-level players and the foundation for the Fever’s next championship team.
Now, the organization just has to find the right players to put around them. Fever GM Kelly Krauskopf already made it clear that she believes the Fever’s window to win big is right now and that the organization will be aggressive this offseason.
There are several players out there who would theoretically be great fits in Indiana and the Fever may even long for some former players who would be perfect next to Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.
3. Natasha Howard
Natasha Howard started her career in Indiana. The Fever drafted her with the fifth overall pick in 2014 but ended up trading her after two seasons. Since then, Howard has won three WNBA titles and the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year award while also making two All-Defensive First teams.
By now, Howard is a 33-year-old veteran, but she still has plenty left in the tank. During the 2024 season, she averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals for the Dallas Wings. While in Indiana, Howard did not have a 3-point shot. She is still not great from beyond the arc but improved since her time with the Fever.
While Howard may not fill the Fever’s need for a floor-spacing forward, she would address other issues. She would give the Fever a strong defender and someone who knows what it takes to win at the highest level.
Howard may even be available this offseason. She already shared on social media that she will be exploring her options in free agency.
2. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton
The Fever already have an elite guard and center in place. Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston are a great pick-and-roll duo, and pick-and-rolls work best when the rest of the team can space the floor. That’s why the Fever need as much shooting as possible. Ideally, those 3-point shooters will also be able to defend at a high level.
In other words, the Fever need 3-and-D players around Clark and Boston. Betnijah Laney-Hamilton was just that during the New York Liberty’s run to the 2024 WNBA championship. During the regular season, she shot 40.2 percent from three on 3.6 attempts per game and guarded some of the best players in the league.
By now, Fever fans may not remember that Laney-Hamilton used to play in Indiana. It was a while ago, and she found great success elsewhere. Back in 2019, she suited up for 34 games with the Fever and averaged 5.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals. She was not the championship veteran she is now, and the Fever cut her just before her breakout season in 2020.
On this current Fever team, Laney-Hamilton could be a great role player next to Clark and Boston (if healthy), providing 3-point shooting, great wing defense, and championship experience. Unfortunately, that seems very unlikely to happen in the near future. The Liberty just won a championship with their veteran-heavy two-way roster and have no reason to break it up.
1. Alanna Smith
Betnijah Laney-Hamilton is not the only player the Fever cut just before their big breakout. In 2022, Alanna Smith joined the Fever on a training camp contract, made the Fever’s roster, and played nine games before being cut. After that, she made her way to Chicago and then to Minnesota.
Smith became a full-time starter for the Lynx and helped her team get to the WNBA Finals. At 6’4”, she has great size and can protect the rim. During the 2024 season, Smith averaged 1.5 blocks per game and was one of the better defenders in the WNBA.
Nevertheless, Smith is not a traditional center. Shooting 39.8 percent from three on three attempts per game, she can also space the floor.
A big who can defend and shoot threes is exactly what the Fever need. Her lack of a consistent 3-point shot is the biggest concern with NaLyssa Smith at the moment. Aliyah Boston has to play as much as possible for the Fever to succeed. Since she does not have a 3-point shot yet, her frontcourt partner needs one.
For now, Smith is out of the Fever’s reach, though. She is still under contract with the Lynx for another season, and Minnesota will try to keep its core together and return to the finals.