The only way the Fever can keep NaLyssa Smith this offseason

The Indiana Fever are remaking their roster around Caitlin Clark. They have revamped their front office and brought in a new head coach, but are far from done. Fans can expect significant roster upgrades and a focus on maximizing their talent.

NaLyssa Smith is a skilled player, but does she remain in Indiana? Her production dipped in year three and there were issues. The 24-year-old was benched in the playoffs and seemed to be on her way out. Things may have changed after hiring a fresh head coach. Smith retweeted the Fever’s post and put the team back in her bio.

The 6’4 forward has more to offer, but fit matters. Perhaps coach Stephanie White believes she can get more from Smith, but it will certainly involve making changes.

NaLyssa Smith must drastically alter her game to stay with the Fever

Indiana wants shooting and defense flanking Caitlin Clark. Aliyah Boston will operate as a roller and offensive hub at the five. Ideally, the Fever put three shooters on the floor to spread things out. It would create tons of easy buckets. The franchise must be better on defense if they want to seriously contend, which means locking in under White’s new scheme.

Smith shot 28.7 percent from 3-point range over the last two seasons and struggles on defense. There are too many lapses to allow easy scores. The 6’4 forward is a strong rebounder who blocked 1.0 shots per game last season, but her D leaves plenty to be desired.

Smith must be willing to do the little things to stick in Indiana. Setting better screens, crashing the offensive glass, defending without fouling, and improving her jumper are musts. It is a ton to ask, but Smith is the fourth option on the Fever behind Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, and Boston. Those little things have more value than scoring 15 points per game on this team.

NaLyssa Smith has All-Star potential. She could be the number one option on Golden State Valkyries if the Fever leave her unprotected in the expansion draft. Smith may average 20 points per game and produce monster numbers, but the franchise likely ends up in the lottery.

If the 24-year-old wants to win, it means playing a role on the Fever. That only happens if Smith changes her game to fit next to Caitlin Clark. Number 22 is the team's superstar, and the Fever plan to maximize their odds of winning a title by putting the perfect roster around the reigning Rookie of the Year.

The Indiana Fever have massive plans for this offseason. There will be roster upgrades. It could mean parting with NaLyssa Smith and trying to add a fourth All-Star. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.