The Indiana Fever turned heads during the 2024 WNBA season.
It began with drafting University of Iowa phenom Caitlin Clark and eventually translated into wins and a team that found themselves in the post season for the first time since 2016.
There is a lot that can be learned from last season's run and many positives that can be built on, especially with the addition of new head coach, Stephanie White.
White brings a resume of 2023 Coach of the Year and having led the Connecticut Sun to the semi final round of last year's post season. It should also be noted that the Sun never fell lower than the third seed throughout the entire 2024 season.
"There's a hunger and a desire to win. There's also something that's very poised and calming about doing it at home with the people that you love and the people you want to go to battle with every single day."
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) November 5, 2024
in a brand new episode of Inside Fever Basketball, new head coach… pic.twitter.com/99S3Rt6vZ7
One big concern for the Fever that needs to be addressed for next season is the lack of depth on the bench.
The consistent play form the bench is the area where the Fever struggled the most with last season. A result of this is Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell and Aaliyah Boston all averaging just under 35 minutes in each game throughout the entire season which leads to fatigue and players getting into foul trouble.
If the Fever want to go on a deep playoff run, they have to have a strong bench they can rely on with consistent production to allow their star players time to rest in a season that will now consist of 44 games starting in 2025.
The bench consisting of Kristy Wallace, veteran Erica Wheeler, Grace Berger and Victoria Saxton rarely saw playing time throughout the whole season.
Nalyssa Smith and Katie Lou Samuelson both saw their production and playing time dip drastically the second half of the season after Lexie Hull took the starting role by the reins where she even led the WNBA in three point percentage shooting as a result.
The Fever need to hit free agency hard
A key part of creating a much needed depth in the roster is being aggressive in free agency. Hiring a new head coach, especially one as appealing to players as White, and having the opportunity to play alongside Clark is eye opening for free agents.
Free agents such as Odyssey Sims, who averaged 17 points per game with both the Dallas Wings and Los Angeles Sparks would be one good piece for the Fever to add.
Monique Billings of the Phoenix Mercury is another free agent that would be a great key addition. Although not a starter in Phoenix, she still averaged almost 10 points off the bench.
The Fever also need to focus on adding depth for the defensive side of things, especially since their points allowed per 100 possessions was the second highest in the league.
A key positive to hiring White to lead the team is that she can motivate players to compete at their highest level. She brings a new, yet familiar culture to the Fever. One that players want to be a part of.
This is crucial especially when the Fever are playing 11 games in 20 days like they did to start last season. Most people felt that the league was setting this team up for failure from the very beginning of the season with a schedule like this,
With the many changes already being made within the organization, to see what the future holds for this young Indiana Fever squad.
The Fever open their season at home against familiar foe Angel Reese when the Chicago Sky make a trip to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 17.