Caitlin Clark is no stranger to pressure, but entering her second season, the weight on her shoulders appears even greater than ever for the talented guard; as WNBA general managers consider the Indiana Fever the most exciting team to watch.
The 23-year-old helped lift the franchise back to the playoffs in her rookie year, is now the focal point of league-wide expectations, who now look to her to deliver a first title to the Gainbridge Fieldhouse since 2012.
A recently released anonymous survey of GMs reveals that Clark and her team are the most discussed and anticipated storyline heading into the new season, highlighting the buzz around Stephanie White’s team.
According to the results, Indiana is not only viewed as the most improved team in the league but also considered the most exciting to watch and the one who made the strongest offseason moves.
The survey polled executives from all 13 WNBA teams and also named her as the player general managers would most want to build a franchise around, as well as considering her the best guard in the league.
Indiana was even voted the second most likely team to represent the Eastern Conference in the WNBA Finals, trailing only the reigning champions, the New York Liberty.
Naturally most of the optimism lands on the ex-Iowa Hawkeyes player, who averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game in 2024, but she isn’t alone in the eyes of the GMs.
The second-year Fever forward, Aliyah Boston, is part of why executives view the team as the league’s most promising young core as Indiana looks to create a roster that can launch a dynasty, not just win one or two titles.
Clark is ready for 2025 WNBA season
Clark’s rookie campaign was not without its challenges, including a slower-than-expected start as she adjusted to the pace and physicality of the professional game.
Yet, her ability to adapt and ultimately lead the Fever back into postseason contention, where they succumbed to the Connecticut Sun, was a testament to her competitive drive and high-level skill.
With league executives now placing her at the center of their preseason predictions, Clark’s second year will be scrutinized more than ever but she seems up to that task.
“There’s always expectations and pressure to perform,” Clark said in response to the survey findings. “We understand the spotlight.
“People expect this team to win, and that’s exactly what we want to do for our fans and this organization. Me personally, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
“If there is that pressure, it’s just something you embrace. You just rise to the occasion because you wouldn’t want it any other way.”
The Fever open their campaign against Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky on Saturday, May 17 in Indianapolis. Tip-off is at 13:00 ET/10:00 PT.
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