In the 2024 WNBA playoffs, the Indiana Fever’s journey came to an end after being swept by the Connecticut Sun in the first round. However, despite this early exit, the team’s future looks promising, largely due to the remarkable performance of rookie Caitlin Clark. Clark, who broke the WNBA’s single-season rookie scoring record with 769 points and 122 three-pointers, also led the league with 337 assists. She set a new WNBA record for the most assists in a single game with 19. As the season progressed, Clark’s connection with her teammates grew stronger, and the Fever’s overall performance improved.
One of the standout partnerships that emerged was between Clark and veteran Temi Fagbenle, who was one of the key players Clark quickly gelled with after being drafted by Indiana. Despite the limited practice time they had together, their chemistry was evident. Fagbenle praised Clark’s court vision, noting that it was rare to have a point guard who could anticipate plays before they unfolded. Fans were eager to see more of this dynamic duo in the upcoming season. However, on December 6, 2024, during the Expansion Draft, the Golden State Valkyries made an unexpected move by selecting Fagbenle, leaving many fans in disbelief.
The decision to not protect Fagbenle in the Expansion Draft was met with confusion and disappointment from Fever fans. The 32-year-old center, although limited by injuries in the previous season, was a key voice in the locker room and well-loved by the team’s supporters. Many fans took to social media to express their shock, with one fan commenting, “How was Temi not protected?!” Others shared their sadness, saying things like, “Temi, you will be missed,” and “I can’t believe it.” It was clear that Fagbenle had become a beloved figure in the Fever community, and her departure felt like a significant loss.
But Fagbenle wasn’t the only player with close ties to Clark who was selected by the Valkyries. Kate Martin, Clark’s former teammate at Iowa and her best friend, was also taken in the Expansion Draft. Martin had spent the previous season with the Las Vegas Aces, where she quickly became a fan favorite. The selections of Fagbenle and Martin by Golden State came as a surprise, particularly since many expected them to stay with their respective teams. Other players drafted by the Valkyries included several notable figures from different teams, such as Liberty forward Kayla Thornton and Mercury forward Monique Billings.
While the loss of Fagbenle and Martin is certainly a blow to the Fever, it’s clear that the team’s leadership has a long-term vision in place. Fans will have to wait and see how this shake-up affects the team’s dynamic in the 2025 season. For now, the attention shifts to how the Fever will rebuild and adapt, with Caitlin Clark still leading the charge as one of the league’s brightest stars.
