Indiana Fever's core plays key role in team's accelerated timeline

After putting an end to their playoff drought last season, the Indiana Fever's front office quickly got to work making improvements to the roster. Before the new-look squad takes the court in the 2025 campaign, one key member of the organization touched on the rapid approach.

Typically, when building around a young core, teams slowly build over a few years to give prospects time to grow. However, that is not the case in Indiana. They feel they've seen more than enough from their young talent to start competing right now.

The Fever wasted little time adding experienced vets around their core pieces. Among their key additions are former All-Stars and champions in DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard. Indiana also solidified its second unit by acquiring Sophie Cunningham via trade.

During a recent interview, Fever president Kelly Krauskopf touched on the organization rapidly accelerating their timeline to contend. The biggest driving force has been how quickly players like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston have adapted to the WNBA. 

“The growth plan was accelerated with the talent of Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston and where they are,” said Krauskopf. There was an opportunity to continue building around those two and Kelsey. Why are we waiting? What are we waiting on?”

A situation like this is rare, but the Fever has certainly taken the right approach. Given their collection of young talent, they should try to create as long a runway to contend as possible. 

In her rookie season, Clark showed that she is a superstar in the making. Boston, a fellow No. 1 pick, is already a multi-time All-Star at the age of 23. Not to mention Kelsey Mitchell, who is fresh off averaging a career-high 19.2 PPG. The talent is there, and the Fever are making sure they're doing everything they can to maximize it. 

Now flanked by numerous veterans with vast playoff experience, the Fever's core has mentors who know how to win at the highest level. With all the proper pieces in place, Indiana is a key team to watch to quickly rise up the standings this season. By the end of the year, they very well could be a dark horse team to contend for a title.