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USA Today via Reuters
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.© Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
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USA Today via Reuters
Iowa Hawkeyes guard Caitlin Clark (22) cuts down the net after beating LSU in the Elite 8 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament between Iowa and LSU at MVP Arena, Monday, April 1, 2024 in Albany, N.Y.© Zach Boyden-Holmes/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
As the WNBA transfer window nears its end, anticipation is building around potential roster shakeups that could shape the Indiana Fever’s future. With Caitlin Clark at the helm, the team has a golden opportunity to strengthen its lineup and maximize its impact on the court. Will the Fever make the right moves to build a championship-caliber squad around their rising star?
NBC Sports’ Natalie Esquire recently discussed the growing uncertainty around NaLyssa Smith’s future with Clark during the On Her Turf podcast, hinting at a potential transfer for the former Baylor star. “We know Caitlin Clark likes bigs that she can run with,” Esquire explained. “NaLyssa Smith, not sure. It seemed like maybe she wasn’t happy in Indiana, so not sure if she will be there to start their new season.” Esquire went on to suggest that Smith could be moved as part of a broader team shakeup, adding, “Maybe she’ll be moved for another piece.”
But the rumblings didn’t stop there. Esquire also touched on the possibility of Brionna Jones—another notable player—being a better fit for Clark’s style of play, fueling further speculation. “It will be interesting to watch and see a player that could potentially help them,” she noted.
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“I’m not sure. Bree Jones, a player that you know, who obviously has been cored, but I don’t know if Indiana has anything to give up that could be enticing to Connecticut.” She also acknowledged that with a deep free-agent pool, there could be more movement on the horizon.
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The drama surrounding Smith, her cryptic social media post, and the uncertain future with Indiana have left fans and analysts eagerly waiting for what comes next. Will she stay with the Fever, or will another team like Caitlin Clark’s squad snap her up?
NaLyssa Smith faces uncertainty as transfer window opens: What’s next for the 24-year-old forward?
Recently, she posted a cryptic Instagram story that read, “Life is all about knowin yo worth, don’t stay nowhere u not wanted n appreciated,” which fueled speculation that her relationship with the Fever was souring.
Though her brother, Rodney, quickly clarified that the post wasn’t related to basketball, the seed of doubt had already been planted. Was Indiana Fever’s forward sending a cryptic message about her future with the team?
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USA Today via Reuters
Jul 17, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates with Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith (1) during the second half against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Now, as the transfer window opens, Smith finds herself in a precarious position. Recently released by the Zhejiang Golden Bulls (WCBA), the 24-year-old forward’s impressive stats—16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game—put her in the spotlight, but her departure from the Chinese league marks the next chapter in her career.
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Before her time in China, Smith had a stellar season with Galatasaray Cagdas Factoring Istanbul in the Turkish KBSL, where she averaged 19.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and earned recognition as Eurobasket.com All-Turkish KBSL Honorable Mention.
The #2 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in 2022, Smith’s resume also includes an illustrious college career at Baylor University, where she was named a finalist for the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Player of the Year and a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year. But now, after three seasons of pro basketball, the future of the talented forward seems uncertain.
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Will she continue her journey with Indiana, or will another team capitalize on her undeniable potential? With the transfer window wide open, all eyes are on where Smith’s next move will take her.
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Debate
Is NaLyssa Smith's cryptic post a sign of trouble in paradise for the Indiana Fever?
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Is NaLyssa Smith's cryptic post a sign of trouble in paradise for the Indiana Fever?
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