The Indiana Fever’s Cinderella story of 2024 has come to an end, but the drama is far from over. What started as a bottom-of-the-barrel season turned into a playoff berth, thanks to the sensational Caitlin Clark, who strutted into the WNBA like she owned the place. She didn’t just make waves—she caused a tidal surge, bagging the Rookie of the Year award and leaving jaws on the floor. But even Clark, with her deep threes and flashy passes, needed a solid supporting cast.
And that’s where things get spicy.
While Clark was the shining star, other Fever players had their moments in the spotlight. Kelsey Mitchell was a deadly backcourt partner, making defenses feel like they were playing a perpetual game of dodgeball. Aliyah Boston was a rebounding machine, snatching boards like a vacuum cleaner set to turbo mode. And NaLyssa Smith? Well, she held down the forward spot, averaging double-digit points and proving she could hang with the big guns.
But as the WNBA expands its roster with the shiny new Golden State Valkyries, every team is forced to make some tough choices. Expansion draft rules state that teams can only protect six players. Only six. And the Fever have some… let’s say… difficult decisions to make. Someone’s gotta pack their bags.
The Big Freeze: Who’s Getting Iced Out?
If the Fever’s fanbase has its way, Smith might want to start updating her résumé. Despite being a consistent starter in the regular season, she found herself chilling on the bench more than anticipated during the Fever’s brief playoff run. Head coach Christie Sides barely glanced her way, giving her just 13 minutes in two postseason games. You know it’s bad when popcorn vendors get more game time.
But is that enough to kick her off the protected list? Fans seem to think so. In fact, most feverishly (pun intended) leave her out of their top six. It’s not personal—it’s business. But if the expansion draft is like a game of musical chairs, Smith could be the one left standing.
And let’s be real—Clark is the franchise’s golden child. You don’t drop the No. 1 pick for a maybe. So, who’s locked in?
The Safe Six (Spoiler: Smith’s Not in Here)
Kelsey Mitchell? Check. Aliyah Boston? Check. Lexie Hull, Victoria Vivians, Erica Wheeler, and Clark—duh? All signs point to Smith getting the short end of the stick. Unless the Valkyries decide they’d rather shop elsewhere, Smith might be switching jerseys before she can say “benchwarmer.”
It’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who started 37 out of 40 games, but hey, if you fall out of favor faster than a bad TikTok trend, what do you expect? The WNBA is cutthroat, and there’s always a new star waiting to take your spot.
What’s Next for Smith?
Well, don’t count her out just yet. Smith might not be the league’s MVP, but she’s still got game. The Valkyries might see potential where the Fever saw an expendable asset. A fresh start could be exactly what she needs—new city, new team, and a chip the size of the Golden Gate Bridge on her shoulder.
As for Clark? Expect her to keep lighting up the scoreboard and making defenders look silly. She’s got a new season to plan for, and you know she’s going to be firing on all cylinders.
So, Indiana Fever fans, buckle up. The 2025 season is already shaping up to be a wild ride. And Smith? Well, whether she stays or goes, at least she’s given us plenty to talk about.