
The Indiana Fever officially announced on Sunday that they have parted ways with guard Grace Berger, expressing their gratitude for her contributions to the franchise. Selected as the seventh overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, Berger struggled to carve out a significant role in the Fever’s backcourt, particularly following the arrival of Caitlin Clark. The former Indiana Hoosier initially saw a promising 14.6 minutes per game as a rookie, averaging 4.2 points and 1.9 assists. However, her playing time was drastically reduced to just 9.3 minutes per game in her sophomore season, limiting her appearances to only 11 games in 2024, a stark contrast to the 26 games she played the previous year.
Berger’s collegiate career was nothing short of legendary, cementing her status as Indiana University’s all-time winningest player. Under the leadership of head coach Teri Moren, she played a pivotal role in elevating the program to new heights, securing a Big Ten Championship and an Elite Eight berth. She left Indiana ranked seventh in all-time scoring and second in assists, a testament to her impact on the court. Despite struggling to find consistent minutes in the WNBA, her skill set remains undeniable, and should she land on a team in need of guard depth, her ability to contribute is unquestionable. In her 26 games as a rookie, she reached double figures in scoring seven times and showcased efficiency with a near 2:1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Her shooting percentages—47% from beyond the arc and 84% from the free-throw line—further highlight her offensive prowess.
Berger has already demonstrated her capabilities in professional competition overseas. Playing for Turkish club Omanspor during the 2024-25 season, she has taken on a primary role in the backcourt, averaging an impressive 35.5 minutes per game. Her production mirrors her collegiate form, posting 13.3 points and 3.9 assists per contest. This resurgence only strengthens the case for a WNBA team to sign her, with franchises like the Chicago Sky and the expansion Golden State Valkyries potentially seeking her services. Her well-rounded game—marked by self-creation, playmaking, and consistent shooting—makes her an asset for any team looking to bolster its backcourt.
Beyond individual statistics, Berger is a proven winner, a trait that could be invaluable to a contending team. She boasted a remarkable 74.6% win percentage throughout her collegiate career, including an 83.1% success rate in home games. While the Indiana Fever struggled to find consistent success during her tenure, the team notably went 6-2 in games where she logged 20 or more minutes as a rookie. This underscores her ability to contribute meaningfully when given an opportunity.
Ultimately, Berger’s departure from the Fever may be a blessing in disguise, allowing her to flourish in a system where she can be a focal point rather than an afterthought. With free agency in full swing, teams seeking an intelligent, efficient, and battle-tested guard should look no further. Berger’s track record speaks for itself—whichever franchise secures her services will gain a player willing to do whatever it takes to win.