For the past couple of years, the Indiana Fever have struck gold in the WNBA draft, landing the No. 1 overall pick. This lucky streak allowed them to select standout players like forward-center Aliyah Boston in 2023 and guard Caitlin Clark in 2024. The impact of these selections has been profound, turning the Fever into a formidable playoff contender for the first time since 2016. With their impressive performance this season, the Fever have stepped away from the lottery for the top pick in the upcoming 2025 draft, settling for the No. 8 position, their lowest since 2017.
Although this draft position may not provide access to top-tier talents such as Connecticut’s Paige Bueckers or USC’s Kiki Iriafen, there are still promising players available. IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson has identified five athletes who could enhance the Fever’s roster: Janiah Barker from UCLA, Aneesah Morrow from LSU, Maddy Westbeld and Sonia Citron from Notre Dame, and Saniya Rivers from North Carolina State. The emphasis on experience in the starting lineup, as highlighted by Fever president Kelly Krauskopf, suggests that the team might prioritize a veteran forward to fill the four spot.
In light of recent changes, the Fever’s strategy may also involve leveraging their No. 8 pick in a trade for a more experienced player. Veteran Kelsey Mitchell is preparing to explore free agency, and rumors indicate that starting forward NaLyssa Smith might be leaving after three seasons with the team. This shift could significantly impact the Fever’s lineup and their approach to the draft.
Additionally, the Fever hold the No. 20 and No. 33 picks in the upcoming draft, giving them several options to strengthen their squad. The focus on adding a seasoned player suggests that the team is looking to blend youthful talent with veteran leadership to ensure they remain competitive in the league.
As the Fever prepare for the next season, the combination of strategic drafting and potential trades could be crucial in maintaining their momentum. The team’s ability to integrate new talent while retaining key players will be vital as they strive to build on their recent successes and push further into playoff contention.
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