The Indiana Fever have announced their opening day roster, which includes 13 players, one more than the WNBA’s limit of 12. This discrepancy is due to the temporary suspension of Damiris Dantas’ contract. Dantas was unable to attend the first week of training camp because of visa complications and a family emergency in Brazil. Although she eventually joined the team in Indianapolis during the second week of training camp, she has not been able to practice because of a right knee injury. While her contract is suspended, Dantas will not be active on the roster but will still count against the team’s salary cap.
The suspension of Dantas’ contract has opened the door for both Temi Fagbenle and Victaria Saxton to make the opening-day roster. Fagbenle, who last appeared in the WNBA in 2019 before playing professionally in Great Britain, caught the attention of head coach Christie Sides and the Fever’s coaching staff with her performance, earning her a spot back in the league. Meanwhile, Saxton, who is entering her second season with the Fever, had a limited role in 2023, participating in only 15 of the team’s 40 games and playing sparingly during the preseason.
The Fever’s roster also includes promising rookies Caitlin Clark and Celeste Taylor. Clark, highly regarded as a potential future franchise cornerstone, is set to make her eagerly awaited debut. Taylor, on the other hand, earned her place on the roster through her exceptional defensive performances during training camp. The inclusion of these rookies reflects the Fever’s strategy of combining experienced players with emerging talent as they gear up for their season opener against the Connecticut Sun. Fans are particularly excited to witness Clark’s debut, which will be available for viewing on Disney+.
Predicting Caitlin Clark’s stats for her rookie season in the WNBA involves considering her college performance, transition to the professional level, and role on the Indiana Fever. Here’s a speculative prediction for her rookie season stats:
### **Predicted Stats for Caitlin Clark’s Rookie Season:**
– **Points per Game (PPG):** 15-18
Clark was an elite scorer in college, known for her deep shooting range and ability to create her own shot. While her scoring might dip initially as she adjusts to WNBA defenses, she could still be among the team’s top scorers given her skill set and likely high usage rate.
– **Assists per Game (APG):** 4-6
Clark is also a capable playmaker with excellent court vision. Her ability to facilitate the offense could see her posting solid assist numbers, especially as she builds chemistry with her teammates.
– **Rebounds per Game (RPG):** 4-5
Clark is a strong guard rebounder who often crashes the boards. She’ll likely continue this in the WNBA, contributing in both offensive and defensive rebounding.
– **Field Goal Percentage (FG%):** 40-43%
Adjusting to the WNBA’s pace and physicality could affect her shooting efficiency early on, but her confidence and ability to score from all three levels should keep her percentage respectable.
– **Three-Point Percentage (3P%):** 33-36%
Clark’s deep shooting range is one of her trademarks, but adapting to WNBA defenses and longer three-point distance may result in a modest percentage initially. As she gains experience, her shooting from deep is likely to improve.
– **Steals per Game (SPG):** 1-1.5
Clark’s high basketball IQ and quick hands will likely lead to solid defensive stats, including a respectable number of steals per game.
– **Turnovers per Game (TO):** 3-4
As a high-usage player and primary ball-handler, Clark might commit a fair number of turnovers, especially in her rookie year as she adjusts to the increased defensive pressure in the WNBA.
These projections reflect an impressive rookie campaign that showcases Clark’s scoring ability, playmaking, and all-around impact on the court. Her actual performance will depend on her adjustment to the professional level, team dynamics, and role within the Fever’s system.