The Indiana Fever joined the WNBA in 2000. The league was in its fourth season and had 16 franchises. They struggled out of the gate but quickly improved after drafting Tamika Catchings. Indiana reached the playoffs in year three and made it 12 straight seasons from 2005 to 2016, including winning a championship in 2012.
Things have not been as sunny recently, but Caitlin Clark is ready to change that. She is an All-Star as a rookie and a proven winner. Clark plans to bring the Fever back to their glory days, and Indiana has two other All-Stars flanking here. Things could pick up quickly.
Who are the best players in franchise history? This list features the top talents based on their production in Indiana alone. Several All-Stars were left off this list, but here are the names Clark is chasing to be one of the best to ever wear a Fever uniform.
11. Natalie Williams
Williams is one of the best UCLA athletes of all time. She was an All-American in both basketball and volleyball as she helped the Bruins win two NCAA championships. Williams graduated college in 1994 before playing in the ABL.
When the ABL folded, she joined the WNBA. Williams was already 28 years old but was instantly one of the league’s best players. She was a three-time All-Star and twice finished in the top five of MVP voting before joining the Indiana Fever in 2003.
The 6’2 center was acquired via trade and instantly put more talent around Tamika Catchings. Williams was an All-Star in 2003 as she averaged 13.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in 31.0 minutes per game. She began to decline after that year but was a starter and key contributor for three seasons in Indiana.
Natalie Williams did not have the longest career with the Fever, but she is ninth in rebounds and top 20 in points and steals in franchise history. She also helped the Fever reach the conference finals in 2005 and start their 12-year run of qualifying for the postseason.