Kelsey Mitchell Makes Her Opinion of Indiana Fever Rookie Extremely Clear

Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Kelsey Mitchell Makes Her Opinion of Indiana Fever Rookie Extremely Clear

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rolly Gacelo | Last updated Apr 28, 2026 11:43 PM ET

Raven Johnson has declared that she will find ways to fit in with the Indiana Fever, a team that already has an established core led by superstar Caitlin Clark. That’s what veteran Kelsey Mitchell has noticed in the few practices and preseason games so far.

The Fever selected Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 draft. She is an intriguing prospect for many, given her rivalry with Clark in college and her winning pedigree as part of the South Carolina Gamecocks, with whom she won two NCAA titles—one of which came against Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes.

Her latest preseason performance has people feeling optimistic about her chemistry with her new teammates. She played 18 minutes in a win against the New York Liberty and was perfect from the field, scoring six points on three field goals. Her most impressive stats were eight assists, one steal, and two blocks.

Indiana Fever guard Raven Johnson works with assistant coach during warm-up before preseason game versus New York LibertyJohn Jones-Imagn Images

Some believe Clark can now shift to shooting guard with Johnson alongside her.

Johnson said she is willing to learn, and it shows. Mitchell praised the rookie after a few weeks together. The 30-year-old guard commended the Gamecocks standout for her lack of ego and willingness to learn.

Raven Johnson getting respect from the vet ❤️‍

"She's a sponge, and I love that about her." pic.twitter.com/CE6ACClBkW
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) April 28, 2026

Johnson’s chemistry with her teammates is also improving, based on a practice video posted by the Fever. The rookie even called Clark “the GOAT” in an Instagram post, which excited fans.

Their heated moment during the 2024 Finals is now a thing of the past. Clark also acknowledged her new teammate’s strengths as a floor general.

“Raven, who’s going to be a primary ball handler, and trying to conduct the offense, like that’s a big responsibility,” Clark said before their first pre-season game.

“And I think just empowering her to use her voice and also do what she does really well. Great defender, has long arms, gets her hands all over the balls.”

Next for the Wings is pre-season game with the Dallas Wings, which will also be their opening day opponents.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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