Kelly Krauskopf makes Fever’s offseason wish list clear in introductory presser

The Indiana Fever have a new front office building around Caitlin Clark, but it features a familiar leader. Kelly Krauskopf is back as president and leading the way. She was the architect of all those contending teams built around Tamika Catchings, including the Fever’s 2012 championship squad. Krauskopf spent the last six years with the Pacers before returning to the Fever.

Krauskopf hired Amber Cox to be the team’s new general manager and allowed Lin Dunn to move into a new role. The Fever have the face of the WNBA but need more talent around Clark to build a true title contender.

Krauskopf had her introductory press conference on Oct. 8, and she quickly outlined her offseason wish list for their roster.

Kelly Krauskopf wants veterans with playoff experience on the Fever

The new president made it clear that she wants to keep Kelsey Mitchell, who becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Indiana also projects to have cap space, and Krauskopf was not shy in revealing her plan for the franchise.

“The veteran leadership Kelsey (Mitchell) was able to provide, we need to help her. We need to add to that. I spent a lot of years trying to add experienced players around Tamika Catchings because it is veterans who’ve been in the foxhole and been together, those are elements of success.”

Krauskopf detailed the Fever’s need for veterans, size, and playoff experience. She knows that experienced players will help this young team take the next step. Of Indiana's top-eight in minutes per game in 2024, only one was over 30 years old and four were under 25. They have the last two Rookie of the Year winners but need depth and postseason know-how to become a serious title contender.

Krauskopf shared plenty in her first interview back with the Fever, including her plans for Kelsey Mitchell, how the front office structure will work, and how her time with the Pacers will help build around Clark. Fans can listen to her entire presser below.

Indiana should try to add another marquee talent and a few quality role players around Caitlin Clark this offseason. Acquiring shooting and defense should maximize the Fever. They want to play an up-tempo style with the 22-year-old running the show. Expect more players who can run, play lockdown defense, and space the floor. Finding ones with playoff experience won’t be easy, but that is Krauskopf’s plan.

The Indiana Fever are just getting started. They have the best young talent in the W and two All-Stars flanking her. The foundation is there. It is on Kelly Krauskopf and her new front office to build out the mansion. She is a proven winner, so fans should expect her to get the job done. It starts now, so stay tuned for all the latest.