Caitlin Clark improves defense and 4 other upgrades Fever hope young talents make

The Indiana Fever exited a rebuild and are eager to leap into serious title contention. Caitlin Clark got them back to the playoffs and helped them become the most popular franchise in the W, but they are not satisfied. Indiana wants to build a true title contender around number 22.

Indiana already revamped their front office and plan on making upgrades this offseason. The Fever have cap space, the eighth overall pick in the 2025 draft, and assets to trade. It is on lead decision-maker Kelly Krauskopf to find the right pieces. Indiana has a solid foundation. It is all about building things out.

Roster upgrades are not enough. The Fever need some internal growth from their current talent to push into the mix. They have plenty of young pieces, but improvements are not linear. Working on these skills will be a crucial part of the team’s success in 2025 and beyond.

5. NaLyssa Smith’s shooting

Smith looked like a future star in 2023 but struggled to play off Caitlin Clark. The 6’4 forward still averaged 10.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.0 block in 24.8 minutes per game, but she was benched in the playoffs with Indiana’s season on the line.

Smith’s lack of shooting makes her a problematic fit. Over the last two seasons combined, she has shot just 28.7 percent on 115 3-point attempts. The former second overall draft pick made just 27.3 percent on corner threes in 2024 and just cannot find her stroke.

The Fever want shooting and defense around Caitlin Clark. If Smith stays in Indiana, she will need to develop a consistent jumper. She shot 38.1 percent from three as a rookie on 97 attempts. The 24-year-old has potential, but it will take work. NaLyssa Smith could be a two-way force for the Fever if she is willing to adapt and improve her outside shooting.

4. Grace Berger’s catch-and-shoot game

The seventh overall pick in 2023 barely saw the floor last season. She appeared in just 11 contests for a total of 102 minutes. The 25-year-old struggled to make an impact when she played but still has potential. Fans saw flashes during her rookie year, and the 6’0 guard is still improving.

Berger was a strong playmaker and rebounder during college career. She has made 46.2 percent of her 39 WNBA 3-point attempts after shooting north of 40 percent during her senior year at Indiana.

The Fever could use a secondary creator but need someone capable of spacing the floor and playing next to Caitlin Clark. Berger has shown those tools in a limited sample. If she improves her catch-and-shoot and off-ball game, the 25-year-old could crack the rotation in 2025. Indiana needs depth, and former GM Lin Dunn drafted her for several reasons. It is on Berger to prove she can be a threat.

3. Lexi Hull’s defense

Hull was the sixth overall pick in 2022 but struggled in her first two seasons with the Fever. She entered 2024 as an end-of-the-bench option and appeared in just seven of the team’s first 11 contests.

The 25-year-old earned more playing time as the season progressed and did not miss down the stretch. Over her final 19 games, Hull shot 47.8 percent from the field and 52.0 percent on her threes.

The Fever want shooters flanking Clark, and Hull proved she can be elite. Indiana cannot be 11th in defensive rating next season if they want to contend for a championship. If Hull is playing a crucial role, she must improve her defense. The 6’1 wing has size. Their scheme must change and it will take a team-wide commitment for the Fever to become league-average and a serious title challenger.

2. Aliyah Boston’s shooting

Boston has made 11 3-pointers in her first two WNBA seasons but is far from a long-range threat. Indiana uses her in ball screen actions and creates plenty of easy looks in the paint. Boston was an All-Star for the second consecutive year and produced quality numbers. The 6’5 frontcourt force puts a different kind of stress on the defense if she becomes a floor spacer.

Boston is already working on her jumper. Fans cannot expect her to be lights out, but just threatening and being able to space out gives the Fever more options. Clark is the best offensive engine in the W. Creating more ways to attack sets the franchise up to be unstoppable.

Boston is unquestionably a building block and immense talent. The Fever have three All-Stars but need a bit more to be serious contenders. The biggest aspect will come on the other end of the floor, and it starts with their superstar.

1. Caitlin Clark’s defense

The Fever won’t be serious championship contenders if they finish 11th in defensive rating in 2025. They had the best offense in the W after the Olympic break and were still bounced in the first round of the playoffs. Clark will create points, but Indiana must get stops to win when the games matter most.

Clark does not need to be a lockdown option on defense. She carries a massive offensive burden and needs to conserve her energy, but the Fever need more. It starts with number 22. She is the leader. If Clark is buying into the defense and putting forth effort, her teammates will follow. Indiana cannot just allow teams to shoot open threes. They need resistance to compete for a title.

The 22-year-old will have a few new tricks for year two, but it will be the team’s defense that determines their fate. Clark will get the Fever to the playoffs, but can they get enough stops to make a deep run?

The Indiana Fever will be fascinating to watch in 2025. Expect Caitlin Clark to improve and the franchise to be legit contenders. There will be growth and upgrades. Expect wins and excitement. The rest will be a mystery until we see it on the floor.