After a 6-16 season in 2020, the Fever did not make the playoffs. Now in the preseason and training camp period, this Fever team is hungry to get started. The Fever may have lost some players, however, they have many new additions to the team whether it be players coming back, free agents, or new draftees. This Fever team may look different than in years prior, but it is anyone’s game heading into the 2021 season. Here is the Indiana Fever 2021 Season Preview.
Return of Key Players
The Fever is returning many key players this season that have been huge components in years prior. One player was at her peak performance right before the regular season ended, Kelsey Mitchell. K. Mitchell averaged 17.9 PPG and 2.8 APG during the 2020 season; being a huge scorer for this team in only her third season. Another huge scorer was Tiffany Mitchell. T. Mitchell averaged 12.7 PPG, 2.6 APG, and 3.4 RPG. Both Mitchell’s had their best career scoring-wise during this past season. Their return will be huge in the future of the Fever.
On top of guard play, the return of key players from the post will be key as well. Teaira McCowan has only played two years in the WNBA but has so much potential to be an even bigger factor for this team. She averaged 10.9 PPG and 7.3 RPG. Her presence on the floor is quite known and she will be a huge part of this team going forward.
Free Agency and Trade
As the Fever are a fairly young team; the use of free agency and trade has been key in getting veteran leadership. Through trade, the Fever acquired Lindsay Allen from the Aces. Although Allen averaged only 3.3 PPG and 2.4 APG with the Aces; she can be a huge leader for this team. She most likely will get more playing time than she did with the Aces. And her experience on other teams will help her translate to the Fever’s system.
Another player with good league experience is Jessica Breland who has played eight years in the league. She averaged 7.5 PPG and 7.3 RPG and is a huge defensive play. Her experience in the league as a post will help the young post players become more adapted to the fever’s gameplay.
The last player acquired through free agency was Danielle Robinson. Robinson averaged 7.4 PPG and 3.2 APG during her time with the Aces. She has nine years in the league and her leadership will not go unnoticed on this team. Her gameplay can be a huge part of the Fever’s game on both sides of the ball.
New Draftees
The first pick the Fever selected in the WNBA draft was the 4th overall pick. The Fever selected Kysre Gondrezick out of West Virginia. Gondrezick, a guard, has become a popular name for WNBA fans and is already greatly liked. She averaged 19.5 PPG and 4.5 APG during this past season at West Virginia. She helped West Virginia to a 22-7 overall record and a 13-5 record in the Big 12. Her offensive game, style of play, and her likeness will be a huge component for this Fever organization.
Additional acquirees through the draft and training camp contracts were; Unique Thompson (Forward, Auburn), Aaliyah Wilson (Guard, Texas A&M), and Chelsey Perry (Forward, Tennessee-Martin). As well as Trinity Baptiste (Forward, Arizona), Bernadett Hatar (Center, Hungary), and Maya Caldwell (Guard, Georgia). This is what makes training camp so hard because there are so many talented players with limited space available. If they can make the final roster; these players will all be significant contributions to the Fever.
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