As the WNBA season approaches, teams are locking in their core players, and the Indiana Fever is no exception. While excitement was building back home, Caitlin Clark and the Fever had to hit pause. Kelsey Mitchell, the team’s star guard, still has unfinished business overseas. Leading Shanxi in a strong push for the WCBA Finals, Mitchell’s journey isn’t complete just yet. Once that chapter is finished, she’ll return to the Fever to help drive their momentum forward.

But the Fever isn’t rushing. As the team waits for Mitchell’s return, it’s clear that her leadership is key to their success. They’re holding their horses, understanding that her presence will elevate the team’s chances for a championship run. In the meantime, Indiana is setting the stage for a promising future with a dynamic backcourt pairing of Mitchell and Clark, with both players bringing something unique to the table.

In a move that has garnered plenty of attention across the WNBA, the Fever secured Mitchell for an impressive eighth season with a one-year supermax deal worth $249,000. Since being selected as the second overall pick in the 2018 draft, Mitchell has been a cornerstone of the team. This contract not only underscores her loyalty but also solidifies her importance to the Fever’s future.

Before the season can officially begin, though, Mitchell’s overseas commitments must come first. Continuing her successful career in the WCBA with Shanxi, the 2x WNBA All-Star has been exceptional, averaging 23.1 points per game in 26 matchups. Her team’s deep Finals run is well underway, and once that’s taken care of, Kelsey Mitchell will look to do the same in Indiana.

Much like Jonquel Jones, who elevated her team in the WCBA before helping the New York Liberty clinch a title and secure Finals MVP, Mitchell’s leadership in Shanxi could be the precursor to similar success in Indiana.

As she pushes her Chinese team toward a Finals run, can she replicate Jones’ path, guiding the Fever to a championship and perhaps earning a Finals MVP in the process? Well, with the 29-year-old’s leadership and her chemistry with CC, the Fever might be poised to do just that!

Indiana’s dynamic backcourt duo: Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark

The chemistry between Kelsey Mitchell and Clark is undeniable. Mitchell’s veteran presence and leadership, paired with Clark’s youthful energy and playmaking ability, form a dynamic backcourt duo that could be one of the most exciting in the league. Together, they offer a mix of sharp strategic plays, fast-paced transitions, and scoring firepower that will certainly keep opponents guessing all season long.

Last season, playing alongside Caitlin Clark in the backcourt, Kelsey Mitchell had the best season of her seven-year career. She started 38 of 40 games, averaging 19.2 points per game. Mitchell’s shooting was impressive, hitting 46.8% of her field goals and 40.2% from beyond the arc, showcasing her offensive efficiency and scoring ability. As Mitchell continues to shine in the backcourt, all eyes are also on Caitlin Clark, who is gearing up for a homecoming that will set the stage.

The Indiana Fever is giving Caitlin Clark a memorable college reunion with an international twist to kick off her second WNBA season. On Thursday, the team announced a preseason game scheduled for May 4 at the University of Iowa. The exhibition will see the Fever face off against the Brazilian National Team at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City.

Before the game, however, a major moment will take place at Iowa. This Sunday, Caitlin Clark’s No. 22 jersey will be honored in a special ceremony prior to the University of Iowa’s Big Ten game against USC.

Clark has earned every major national Player of the Year award and guided the Hawkeyes to the Final Four in consecutive seasons (2023-2024) to cap off her record-breaking college career. Following her standout time at Iowa, she was chosen by the Fever as the No. 1 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Clark wasted no time making an impact, being named Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game in her debut season.

As the WNBA season approaches, Indiana is set for an exciting year, no doubt! Well, are you ready to see the Fever raise the temperature?