Landing one of the top players can transform a franchise, creating excitement for fans and the team alike. On September 30th, the Indiana Fever made a game-changing decision that Caitlyn Clark desperately needed. Kelly Kraffoff is stepping back into the spotlight, and if you know the Fever’s history, you’ll recognize her as the key figure who kept the team thriving back in 2012.
I was thrilled to hear about Kelly’s return. She played a crucial role in building the team, and now she’s back to take charge. Under her leadership, the Fever peaked, but things went downhill when she left in 2018. With Clark’s immense talent, the team has a chance, but she can’t carry the load alone.
So, why did the Fever part ways with Christy Sides? Simply put, they needed a fresh start. Clark has kept the team relevant, attracting over 177,000 fans per home game, but just having star power isn’t enough. The Fever struggled defensively last season, finishing with the second-worst defense in the league, and that needs fixing.
Sides relied too heavily on Clark for offense, leaving the defense neglected. Kraffoff must address these issues, or the excitement around her return could vanish. She’s reportedly eyeing players like Gabby Williams from the Seattle Storm, who could bolster their defense and relieve Clark’s burden.
Then there’s Kelsey Mitchell, a consistent scorer heading into free agency. The Fever need to show they’re serious about winning if they want to keep her. Additionally, they have to deal with players like Nelissa Smith and Erica Wheeler, who isn’t contributing enough given her salary. Kraffoff has a lot to clean up, but she’s proven she can build a championship team before.
Clark brings playmaking and scoring, but the Fever need to focus on long-term success and create a winning environment around her. If they don’t, they risk losing this golden opportunity.
With Kraffoff back in charge, there’s hope. Caitlyn Clark has reignited dreams of success, and if the Fever play their cards right, they could once again compete for championships.
