It seems like every time Indiana Fever fans turn around, NaLyssa Smith continues to make her situation interesting.
The 24-year-old forward has been on a tear in China with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, coming off of her second-straight 25+ point performance. Most recently, Smith recorded a 25 point, 10 rebound double-double on Christmas Day. What a way to spread that Christmas cheer.
There has been little to no progress in the NaLyssa Smith saga for the past few weeks. Smith and the Fever have seemingly been at odds, based on a series of actions taken by Smith on social media. Still, there has been no confirmation by either side about whether or not there is any truth to these rumors.
New Fever head coach Stephanie White said during her introductory interview that she wanted to build a "Big 3" around Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell. This gave fans hope that Indiana had made it a priority to retain Mitchell, but White left out Smith's name. This led to some controversy as to where Smith's future with the team stood.
Smith is the former second-overall pick in the 2022 WNBA Draft. The Fever have had a great deal of success in the draft in recent years-- Smith at #2 in 2022, Boston at #1 in 2023, and of course Clark at #1 this past season. Smith is the perfect young forward for a team to build around, especially with Boston to compliment her in the front court. But it is still unclear whether or not the Baylor product wants to be there.
This stretch in China is a great sign, though. If Smith and the Fever are truly at odds, this may be the incentive Indiana needs to mend that bridge.