3x-WNBA champion Natasha Howard, 33, had a productive time while playing in the EuroLeague this off-season. In fact, she's won two EuroLeague championships, in 2023 and 2024. Her performances didn't go unnoticed as she was the league leader in points and rebounds.
At the conclusion of the season she found herself on the list for All-EuroLeague Women Second Team. An uncharacteristic trait showed itself in the semi-final round of the league. The Fever did a lot of good by adding Howard to their roster, the very team that drafted her out of college at Florida State in 2014.
With the awards and recognition she received while playing in the EuroLeague she hopes it can carry over into her WNBA production. An uncharacteristic trait showed itself in the semi-final round of the league.
Howard, Fever hope foul trouble doesn't become regular problem
Howard found herself in foul trouble in the semi-final round of the EuroLeague championships. Uncharacteristic of her throughout her WNBA career, so the Fever hope this doesn't become a new thing for her. The Fever already had their own foul trouble last season as Caitlin Clark was in technical foul trouble towards the end of the season going into the postseason.
She has always been a defensive guru during her time in the WNBA. Playing aggressively on the defensive side of the court is one of her strongest skills and one the Fever can rely heavily on. Eliminating fouls involves playing smart basketball. Playing in the EuroLeague is not exactly the same thing as playing in the WNBA.
The WNBA presents a different style and pace of basketball and players that play overseas or in Unrivaled in their time during the off-season presents obstacles in making these adjustments. A productive player is only good to a team if they are seeing efficient minutes on the floor. Head coach Stephanie White is one of the best in getting the most out of her players.
Playing more conservative may be a technique White may have to implement this season given all of the talent she has. It doesn't do a coach any good to have a long list of talent if her players are having to sit out due to into an increase in fouls. The Fever have enforcers on their roster now, so White will certainly have her hands full on establishing the pace for the upcoming season.
Despite not being sharp during her full season in EuroLeague, Howard still was able to put up double-doubles. It will be helpful that the Fever have depth for many reasons, but if in fact players start to get in foul trouble they have other good, strong players they can rotate through. Howard is a player who plays with a lot of intensity, which is clear with her championship history. Cleaning up the little mistakes will go a long way if the Fever hope to make a championship run this season, as expected.