UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT – In the world of basketball, sometimes history-making moves are made off the court. Indiana Fever’s bold new chapter began on April 15, 2024, when they drafted Caitlin Clark at No. 1 — a franchise-transforming pick. Fast forward six months, and the team’s path has shifted again. This time, in a power move heard ’round the league, the Fever said goodbye to head coach Christie Sides. It’s officially Caitlin’s Court, and Fever fans are feeling the heat.
To the casual observer, this might seem sudden — a coach bounced after two short seasons? But as Fever president Kelly Krauskopf put it, “Bold and assertive” is the new motto. And Krauskopf, a seasoned player in the world of Indiana basketball, is not playing around. Her aim? Another championship for the Fever, ideally with the team’s new megastar Clark at the helm. So, consider the “transition period” over — it’s all or nothing now.
Krauskopf’s Playbook: Change is Good
Krauskopf didn’t just roll back into Indiana basketball for nostalgia’s sake. She’s here to win — and she’s serious about taking the team back to the WNBA Finals, just like she did with the 2012 Fever championship squad. Her decision to part ways with Sides might seem harsh, but hey, great coaches in the WNBA have often been put on the fast track out. Just ask Diana Taurasi, Candace Parker, or Sue Bird, whose first coaches lasted about as long as a snowball in July. Krauskopf sees Clark as a generational talent, the kind that makes good teams great — so she’s not interested in wasting time on anything less than a title contender.
To fill Sides’ shoes, Krauskopf is rumored to have her eyes on Connecticut Sun head coach Stephanie White. White’s history with the Fever goes way back: she was a former player, assistant, and even head coach for Indiana. She’s no stranger to success either, having led the Sun to the WNBA Finals in recent years and snagged Coach of the Year honors in 2023. Could she bring her winning touch back to Indiana? She’s shown she knows how to “maximize talent” — and that’s exactly what Krauskopf wants. If White hops on board, expect a fast-paced, Clark-centered offense with a touch of old-school grit.
Clark’s Effect: Rocket Fuel for the Fever’s Championship Aspirations
It’s no secret Clark’s rookie season was a barnburner. She was shooting daggers and dishing assists like nobody’s business, finishing off with the Rookie of the Year award and helping the Fever break their playoff drought. And she’s just warming up. If Krauskopf’s vision plays out, Clark could be the one leading Indiana to its first title in over a decade.
In Krauskopf’s book, Caitlin Clark isn’t just the cornerstone; she’s the whole foundation. Krauskopf’s decision to bring in a new coach isn’t just about basketball smarts; it’s a shot at making the most of a star whose talent could bring a parade back to Indiana. Clark and last year’s No. 1 pick, Aliyah Boston, have set the Fever on fire, but to stoke that flame, Krauskopf’s looking to bring in veteran players through free agency to surround her young duo.
The Next Chapter: Championship or Bust
For Fever fans, the stakes have never been higher. Krauskopf’s been crystal clear: the team’s done with lottery losses. Now, it’s championship-or-bust mode, and Fever fans are here for it. As Clark and Boston prepare for next season under a new coach, Indiana Fever’s future looks bright.
With a little bit of luck — and maybe some “bold and assertive” moves in free agency — Krauskopf’s dream of another championship in Indiana could come true sooner rather than later.
