Indiana Fever rookie Makayla Timpson is making big moves for her new team. Although her performances in both exhibition games doesn't necessarily mean massive numbers, her presence on the floor should have Fever fans optimistic about their 19th-overall pick.
Timpson is one of five players competing for the 11th and final spot on the roster. It won't come easy to her, and she is going up against her fellow draftees Bree Hall and Yvonne Ejim, as well as Jaelyn Brown and Jillian Alleyne, who both have WNBA experience already.
One thing is certain: she is making a case for her spot to her coaching staff in the preseason. Timpson played just 9 minutes in her exhibition debut with the Fever on May 3, scoring 4 points and 2 rebounds in the Fever's overtime win over the Mystics 79-74. She looked poised on the floor, played with quick tempo, and was efficient at setting up her teammates — all things the coaching staff likely wants to see from someone who is fighting for a spot. Timpson lit up the crowd after opening overtime, scoring first for the Fever.
The Fever traveled to Iowa City, where they played Brazil in an exhibition game on May 4. Timpson had an even stronger performance and held her own on the floor. She meshed well in the rotation with starters and finished the game with 9 points and one rebound, leading the way most of the game in terms of bench points. From what it looks like, Timpson is playing with poise and confidence and hasn't allowed the pressure of competing for a spot to impact her.
Timpson resembles fellow Florida State standout
Makayla Timpson was no stranger to the record books during her four year stint at Florida State. In fact, she broke records set by her new Fever teammate and 3x-WNBA champion, Natasha Howard. A couple of those records broken include double-doubles (46) and rebounds (1,094). Timpson is really embracing the role of getting to learn from Howard while in Indianapolis, no matter how long that time may last.
"She gives me a lot of wisdom, a lot of knowledge. I'm just grateful to be here with her," Timpson said.
Timpson and Howard, both 6'2", bring a similar frame and playing style to the Fever. Timpson also mirrors Howard's blueprint when it comes to the defensive side of the ball. Timpson has an impressive 6'10" wingspan that makes her a strong rebounder and powerhouse off the backboard. She can work effectively alongside the Fever's strong wing shooters, all while extending the plays under the basket. Timpson's physicality is what makes her a dangerous force and one that head coach Stephanie White can add to the arsenal.
Timpson hopes to show out in one final effort to make the squad when the Fever take on the Atlanta Dream in their final preseason game next weekend.