The Indiana Fever roster only has five players from last year's squad returning, and forward Damiris Dantas is one of them. This is the first year the Fever will have her from the start of the season after the team acquired her in the middle of last year, and fans should be ecstatic about it. Dantas, a 6-4 forward, is entering her ninth year in the WNBA and looks more locked in than ever.
She spent the off-season playing overseas in Turkey and put up massive numbers. Playing overseas also allowed her to reset and get in shape going into training camp. Last she averaged 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds in 20 games played, and now the expectations are higher than ever for Dantas as she is expected to play a larger role in establishing depth on the Fever bench. Although her numbers last year weren't to her expectations despite being injury plagued, the team will rely on her heavily in the front-court.
The franchise is optimistic as Dantas arrives in Indianapolis for training camp. While playing in Turkey she put up double figures in multiple games and more importantly strengthened her game on the boards. With the departure of Temi Fagbenle to the Golden State Valkyries due to roster expansions, it's crucial that Dantas polishes every phase of her game to fill the void.
Damiris Dantas' dominant double-double helped Botas get the win in Turkey 🔥#FeverOverseas pic.twitter.com/1W4qe8PdpX
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) February 16, 2025
Damiris Dantes is locked in with the Fever
Dantas is on a guaranteed contract with the Fever this season which locks in her roster spot in an already tight knit training camp. Mistakes need to be few and far between and the hope and expectations are that her performances during the off months translate into her WNBA season. She started slow her first several games with the team last year but picked it up in the playoffs shooting almost 50% from the field. Putting up big number in Turkey isn't the most important thing.
She slimmed down and looks stronger than she has since early in her professional career. Dantas has to be in shape in order to keep up with the fast pace, run and gun tempo that the Fever play with on a consistent basis. Playing in the post and rebounding to extend the play is her strongest asset. Getting to the other end of the floor and setting up is a skill set she strengthened in her off-season.
The Fever have strong depth and Dantas is a key part of this. Even with the added pieces they added in free agency her role is bigger than it was last year. Fans should be optimistic that she will play her spot efficiently and continue to mesh well with her teammates. Playoff hopes and a strong title contention are on the minds of players, coaches and fans alike entering the new season in Indianapolis.