Three-time WNBA MVP Sheryl Swoopes has been vocal in questioning Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever, sparking controversy among fans and analysts. From suggesting locker room tension to claiming the organization mishandled veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, Swoopes has made bold claims about the Fever‘s dynamics.
However, her latest comments appear to have backfired, as recent developments contradict her assertions, leading many to accuse her of pushing a false narrative.
Swoopes‘ latest remarks came during her appearance on No Chill with Gilbert Arenas, where she argued that the Fever failed to give Mitchell the credit she deserved for her stellar performance in the 2024 WNBA season.
“Personally, here’s where I think [the Fever] didn’t do a very good job, and that was with Kelsey Mitchell, who’s an unrestricted free agent,” Swoopes said. “Because Kelsey Mitchell had a hell of a season this season, and I don’t think that she got the credit that she deserved.”
Her comments quickly reignited speculation about potential locker room tension, with many questioning whether Mitchell’s future in Indiana was uncertain.
However, those claims didn’t hold up for long. Mitchell officially re-signed with the Fever, agreeing to a one-year, $249,244 deal-a clear indication that the franchise had no intention of letting her walk.
Fever president Kelly Krauskopf was quick to dismiss any concerns, stating that retaining Mitchell was always a top priority for the organization.
“Her core values, her core basketball-everything about her is what we’re about. And so there was no way she was going anywhere else but the Indiana Fever,” Krauskopf said in a video posted on X,
Mitchell and Clark: A strong partnership
Mitchell, who has spent her entire seven-year WNBA career in Indiana, also made it clear that her decision to stay was never in doubt. She even went as far as to praise Clark, acknowledging the rookie’s immense impact on the sport.
“Indiana has been my second home since I went pro, so this is the only city I know,” Mitchell said. “To see you guys open your arms up to me … that was a big part of me coming back. Then I met one of the greatest people in the world, Caitlin Clark, who just ran the basketball world. I think, together, we hope to make you guys proud.”
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