In her rookie season, Caitlin Clark made waves in the WNBA, leading the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance in nearly a decade. At just 22 years old, Clark showcased her immense talent with remarkable averages of 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, a league-high 8.4 assists, and 3.1 three-pointers per game. Her presence on the court was undeniable, and she quickly became the centerpiece of the team’s offense. However, playing alongside such a dominant figure also came with its challenges, particularly for her teammates. One of the players who experienced this was former All-Star Erica Wheeler.
Wheeler recently shared her thoughts on how playing with Clark affected her own statistics. Taking to social media, Wheeler expressed that her numbers last season were the lowest of her life, not just her career. She noted that she averaged 3.6 points per game, 1.8 assists, and 0.9 turnovers. Despite these career-low figures, Wheeler was quick to clarify that her decline in stats wasn’t due to a lack of ability. Instead, it was a result of the Fever’s offense heavily revolving around Clark, which left less room for other players to shine. With talented teammates like Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell also requiring time on the ball, Wheeler’s contributions became less visible in the box score.
Fans were quick to rally behind Wheeler, offering words of encouragement and recognizing her invaluable contribution to the team’s success. Many pointed out that statistics don’t always reflect a player’s true impact on the game. One supporter highlighted how Wheeler’s role on the team was crucial, despite her lower stats, emphasizing that the sacrifices she made were for the greater good of the team. Another fan noted that her leadership and positive attitude in the face of decreased numbers were just as important as any on-court achievement.
Wheeler’s season may not have been marked by flashy numbers, but her influence on the team’s 20-win season was undeniable. As fans pointed out, leadership and adaptability are key factors in team sports, and Wheeler’s ability to adjust to a new role while maintaining a winning mindset was essential to the Fever’s success. Her experience and guidance likely played a significant role in helping the team navigate the ups and downs of the season.
It’s worth noting that Wheeler is now an unrestricted free agent after her two-year contract with the Fever came to an end. In 2019, she was named an All-Star, averaging 10.1 points, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals. While her production has dipped since then, her value as a veteran leader remains strong. With her future in the WNBA uncertain, fans will be eager to see what the next chapter holds for the 5-foot-7 guard.
As Wheeler moves forward in her career, one thing is clear: her contributions to the Fever, both on and off the court, will not be forgotten. While her stats may not tell the whole story, the impact she had on her teammates and the success of the team speaks volumes.
