Natasha Howard was reintroduced to the Indiana Fever during free agency in February. Howard was drafted to the Fever in 2014, just over 10 years ago, and played with the team for the first two years of her career. Since then, she has become a WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, a two-time All-Star, and a three-time WNBA Champion.
Howard's addition to the 2025 season is a powerful one for the team, especially as the Fever attempts to beef up the team's defensive prowess. And though it was only a preseason match-up, the team's game against the Brazilian National Team on May 4 proved to be a bit of a litmus test for how Howard will contribute, especially since Caitlin Clark joined the Fever on the court after missing the team's game against the Mystics the day before.
Sydney Colson also joined the team during free agency, a surprise addition that was met with delight from fans. Though there was a lot of conversation surrounding the 2-time WNBA champion's role on the Fever throughout training camp, she more than made her presence known during the team's two games against the Mystics and Brazil, and demonstrated why she was snapped up by the Fever in the first place.
Despite the combined experience of both, questions have hung over Howard and Colson's heads. But if the preseason games have shown anything so far, it's that the pair definitely belong on the Fever.
Preseason games don't tell fans everything... but the Fever's were great
It's worth bearing in mind that a preseason game isn't typically the best way to judge whether or not a player will be excellent throughout a season, especially games played against non-WNBA teams. The Brazil match in particular was described as an exhibition, and the Fever won the game soundly 108 to 44. But the game did offer a peek at what to expect from Howard and Colson, respectively.
Both players didn't hold back each time they had a chance to hit the court all weekend, and within two minutes into the second quarter of Sunday's game, fans got a peek at a play we might get to enjoy again and again this season when Colson shot Howard a quick behind-the-back pass — and Howard followed through with a bucket.
The moment is hopefully a precursor of things to come, for Howard and Colson and for the Fever as a team. Though the team's victory Sunday wasn't really a surprise, the Fever still poured a lot of heart and intention into how they performed, and Howard and Colson likely quieted any rogue concerns about what they will bring to this team.