The Fever have done as well as they possibly could this offseason. By signing veterans DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, Brianna Turner, and Sydney Colson, and trading for Sophie Cunningham, the Fever built a championship contender around Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. For now, there is not much else to do for the team but make the most of training camp, build chemistry, and try to start the season with some wins.
Later on, there is one more move the Fever could make, though. They will need all the help they can get if they truly want to beat teams like the Liberty, Lynx, and Aces in the playoffs. A three-time EuroLeague MVP would certainly help with that.
Fans have long been speculating about Emma Meesseman’s return to the WNBA. The Belgium forward has not played in the WNBA since 2022. Between 2013 and 2020, she played seven consecutive seasons with the Washington Mystics. Then, she sat out the 2021 season and returned in 2022 to play for the Chicago Sky.
Despite not playing much in the WNBA, Meesseman has been busy, winning three consecutive EuroLeague MVPs and three EuroLeague titles in 2021, 2023, and 2024. She is one of the most successful European players out there and could finally make her return to the WNBA this season. Meeseeman has already spoken about having the luxury of going to the WNBA whenever she wants and being able to avoid having to report for the first day of training camp.
If her WNBA return happens this season, it will likely have to wait until after EuroBasket. While Meesseman has not officially decided whether she will come to the WNBA after EuroBasket, the Fever should keep an eye on the situation.
Adding Emma Meesseman could make the Fever title favorites
The Fever have a lot going for them. They have young talent, experienced veterans, plenty of offensive firepower, and willing defenders. No one should be surprised if the Fever emerge as the best offensive team in the league.
Nevertheless, they will have their hands full with the other top teams in the league, especially those that largely kept their rosters together. The Lynx, for example, are returning essentially the same roster that carried them to the finals last year and the Liberty also only made small changes. Meanwhile, the Fever will have to build chemistry throughout the season. They are also still inexperienced compared to other contenders.
The Fever have a chance to tip the balance in their favor, however. If Meesseman decides to come to the WNBA after EuroBasket, she will want to play for a contender and the Fever should try their best to be the team she signs with. Otherwise, whichever team she signs with will have a massive advantage over the Fever.
Yes, it is not easy to incorporate a player into a system halfway through the season, but it is worth the trouble if that player is one of the best in the world.