Lisa Bluder appointed and Natasha Howard joins – Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever dream

Basketball phenomenon Caitlin Clark might be coming back to a significantly transformed Indiana Fever when the WNBA returns.

The 22-year-old had an impressive debut season in the league, clinching the Rookie of the Year award and securing fourth place in the MVP voting. However, the Fever’s first play-off appearance since 2016 ended prematurely following a tumultuous regular campaign.

Preparations for 2025 have already begun with the dismissal of head coach Christie Sides, who was criticized for not fully utilizing their star player’s potential. Her successor could rectify this issue, and the Irish Star reported how other developments in the upcoming months could set the stage for a fantastic second year for Clark.

Lisa Bluder appointed

Rumors are already swirling around whom the Fever might target as their next coach, with Stephanie White from the Connecticut Sun emerging as a top candidate. The 2023 Coach of the Year has history with the Fever having played four of her five seasons with them and leading the team to their second WNBA Finals appearance in 2015.

However, the Fever’s current mission is to build the team around Clark. And who better to do that than her college coach, Lisa Bluder?

At the ripe age of 63, the mentor who honed Clark’s skills into a vibrant display for the Iowa Hawkeyes – culminating in two epic NCAA National Championship appearances – left the coaching spot in May. For Bluder, though, the chance to coach Clark once more could be the sweetest temptation to return.

Natasha Howard comeback

As Natasha Howard steps back into Indiana Fever territory, she comes with a transformed aura. After all, bagging three WNBA championships with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm has reshaped her career.

But it’s not just about titles; Howard clinched ‘Defensive Player of the Year’ in the illustrious glow of 2019. And her resurgence alongside Clark’s relentless rise might just create an unmatched synergy on the court.

Howard’s role isn’t restricted to any singular duty, however, despite her reputation as a defensive bulwark. And the veteran has cleared her own path to rejoin the Fever after clarifying she’ll depart Dallas, keeping anticipation high for her next move.

Kelsey Mitchell extension

Amid all the strategic plays, Kelsey Mitchell lingers at the centre of Indiana’s game plan. As their silver medallist in scoring during the 2024 season with 19.2 points per game, they’re understandably eager to keep the guard as part of their ranks.

With seven years with Indiana under her belt, she’s woven into its core fabric. So much so that retaining the two-time All-Star feels imperative for powering not just the team, but boosting Clark’s potential as well.

“She’s extremely important to the success of this, our future,” said Kelly Krauskopf, the Fever’s President of Basketball Operations. “We intend to have lots of conversations and make sure she knows that, but I think she does know that.”

With the salary cap ever-rising, the room for negotiation grows in kind. There’s no doubt Clark’s value far exceeds her current five-figure salary, which currently sits at a mere $76,535 (£58,800).

The decision by the Women’s National Basketball Players Association to opt out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is expected to cause a significant increase in the current team salary cap of $1.46 million next year. It’s expected a new agreement based on league revenues will be established next year, boosting the scope for potential earnings across the board.

While Clark can rest easy knowing her income is supplemented by numerous sponsorships and her rising fame, a new contract that accurately reflects her worth is only fair. It will also serve as additional motivation for her to lead the Fever to their first WNBA title since 2012.