Forget Christie Sides, we need Bluder magic back with Clark!
It’s been a wild week for the Indiana Fever. After making their first playoff appearance since 2016, the Fever wasted no time hiring Amber Cox as their new General Manager. Fans, however, seem a little less focused on financial strategy and more on who’s coaching their prized star, Caitlin Clark. While Christie Sides is entering her third season as head coach, Fever fans aren’t exactly rolling out the red carpet for her. In fact, they’re calling for a familiar face—none other than Lisa Bluder, Clark’s former coach from Iowa.
Can you hear it? The chants of “Lisa! Lisa! Lisa!” are growing louder with each passing day. Clark’s fans are rallying like it’s a Hawkeyes homecoming, with social media lighting up with posts begging for a Bluder-Clark reunion. It’s almost as if they expect Bluder to swoop in on a magical basketball broomstick and save the day.
Amber Cox Joins, But Fans Want Bluder
Amber Cox, who comes with an impressive résumé, having previously worked with the Phoenix Mercury, Connecticut Sun, and Dallas Wings, was officially introduced as the new GM and Chief Financial Officer. She was greeted with a lovely corporate welcome, the kind that usually has everyone politely clapping at the press conference while secretly wishing they were home watching Netflix.
“I am excited to be joining the Fever during this historic time in the WNBA,” said Cox, in what was likely the 57th take of her press release. “And I am grateful to Kelly, Fever ownership, and Mel Raines for this opportunity.”
Great, Amber. But let’s be honest—Fever fans are less concerned with the team’s “historic time” and more obsessed with bringing in a coach who they think can handle Clark better than Christie Sides. They just saw their Rookie of the Year (yes, Clark) get bounced from the playoffs in Round 1, and that loss still stings like an ill-timed three-pointer clanging off the rim.
Is Sides Really the Problem?
Clark’s journey to WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2024 should be a feel-good story for the Fever. After all, Clark is a walking highlight reel, and she didn’t disappoint—well, except for that early playoff exit. But fans don’t blame Caitlin. Nope. They’ve got their torches aimed at Sides, and apparently, her coaching isn’t impressing the Indiana faithful.
Social media warriors have been quick to point out what they see as Sides’ inability to protect Clark from those hard fouls that almost seem like part of the Fever’s game plan. “Flagrant foul or just a ‘welcome to the WNBA’ gesture?” Fans aren’t sure, but they are sure that Bluder would have handled things differently. One user tweeted, “I’d like to thank Christie Sides for her service and wish her well. I’d like to welcome Lisa Bluder as the Fever’s new coach!”—because, you know, Twitter fans can practically hire and fire coaches with a few taps these days.
Another hopeful fan chimed in, “Please hire Lisa Bluder as your next head coach! Thank you and God bless!” Well, at least they’re polite.
The Bluder Connection
So why all the fuss about Lisa Bluder? For those of you just waking up from a basketball coma, Bluder was the mastermind behind Caitlin Clark’s dominance at Iowa. Under Bluder’s watchful eye, Clark racked up more points than most people can count, broke records like she was swatting flies, and averaged insane numbers—28.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.1 rebounds per game. Bluder’s resume? Oh, just a casual five Big 10 tournament titles, two Final Four appearances, and 889 career wins. No big deal.
In short, she’s the coach fans believe could unlock Clark’s full potential in the WNBA. And while Christie Sides may have the keys right now, the fanbase seems ready to hand Bluder the whole dang car.
Can the Fever Fix This?
To be fair, Christie Sides isn’t exactly out there dropping the ball…or the clipboard. She’s had her moments and clearly helped steer the Fever into the playoffs. But let’s face it, when fans are chanting for your replacement, it’s never a good sign. With the Fever’s future hanging in the balance, one thing’s for sure—this coaching drama is far from over.
As Caitlin Clark fans dream of a Bluder-Clark reunion, Indiana Fever management will have to navigate the stormy seas of public opinion. For now, Christie Sides remains the captain of the ship. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned from sports fans, it’s that they’re never shy about expressing their opinions.
Who knows? Maybe Lisa Bluder’s phone is already ringing. One can wish, right?