When life gives you a bench role, take your talents overseas and remind everyone why you were a first-round pick. That’s exactly what NaLyssa Smith has done, and the Indiana Fever might want to grab a plate of humble pie before making any rash decisions in free agency.
Smith, the former Baylor standout and current WNBA power forward, is cooking up something spicy in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA). And we’re not talking about dim sum. Playing for the Zhejiang Golden Bulls, Smith has been lighting up the court with performances that scream, “Y’all better recognize.” Just this week, she dropped a cool 25 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists, earning a double-double that had Fever fans dusting off their old #1 jerseys.
Meanwhile, back in the States, the Fever are presumably rethinking their offseason plans. Smith’s sudden resurgence overseas has sparked a wave of speculation about her future in the WNBA, especially after a rocky 2024 season that saw her minutes and stats take a nosedive. From averaging 14.5 points and 8.6 rebounds as a rookie to a modest 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds this year, Smith’s trajectory seemed to be spiraling faster than a bad free throw.
But let’s not bury the lede here: Smith isn’t just hooping; she’s making statements—both on and off the court. The forward caused a stir by scrubbing the Fever from her social media bio after the season. Call it a digital mic drop. And just when fans were ready to pack her bags for her, she added the team back after Stephanie White was announced as the new head coach. Coincidence? Maybe. Power move? Definitely.
If that wasn’t enough to keep the rumor mill grinding, Smith recently posted this cryptic gem on X: “Life is all about knowin’ yo worth, don’t stay nowhere u not wanted n appreciated.” Translation: Either the Fever shows her the money or someone else will.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Fever’s official account couldn’t resist sharing her recent exploits in China, along with a shoutout to Kelsey Mitchell, who’s also been balling overseas. A subtle flex or a plea for redemption? You decide.
It’s worth noting that Smith’s WCBA stint isn’t her first rodeo overseas. Last year, she played for Galatasaray in Turkey, proving that her passport is as versatile as her game. This year, she’s thriving in a league that’s home to many WNBA players looking to stay sharp during the offseason. But for Smith, this isn’t just about staying in shape—it’s about reclaiming her narrative.
So, what’s next for NaLyssa Smith and the Fever? Will her overseas dominance convince Indiana to build around her again? Or will she take her talents to a team that truly “wants and appreciates” her? One thing’s for sure: NaLyssa Smith knows her worth, and she’s not afraid to remind everyone else of it.
For now, she’s dropping double-doubles in China and leaving a trail of questions back home. And if the Fever aren’t careful, they might lose a star who’s proving she can shine anywhere—even halfway across the globe.