Indiana Fever president Kelly Krauskopf recently addressed the media in her first interview with the organization following her recent hiring. Appointed shortly after the conclusion of the Fever’s 2024 WNBA season, Krauskopf is tasked with guiding the team back to championship contention for the first time since their 2012 title. Central to this vision is rookie sensation Caitlin Clark, whom Krauskopf sees as the cornerstone of the franchise. Clark, fresh off winning the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016 with an impressive 20-20 record as the No. 6 seed. Krauskopf emphasized the importance of this offseason, focused on constructing a roster around Clark that could elevate the Fever into title contention.
Krauskopf believes that with Clark’s remarkable playmaking abilities, Indiana will become a prime destination for top free agents. “If you’re a smart basketball player and you watch the way [Caitlin Clark] plays, you would want to play with her,” Krauskopf remarked, highlighting the allure Clark brings to potential additions. As the league’s leading rookie in both points and assists, Clark’s presence on the court, combined with her ability to elevate the performance of her teammates, is expected to draw significant interest from top-tier talent looking to compete for a championship.
Throughout her debut season, Clark’s impact was undeniable, averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. The 22-year-old led the league in assists and topped her rookie class in both points and assists. Her All-Star selection as the starting point guard for Team WNBA was a testament to her extraordinary talent. During the All-Star Game, Clark stood out alongside established superstars like DeWanna Bonner and Jonquel Jones, recording 10 assists and setting a rookie record for the most assists in an All-Star game.
Krauskopf’s deep experience in the WNBA, which dates back to her role as Director of Operations in 1997 and her long tenure as the Fever’s general manager from 2000-2017, positions her well for the task at hand. With Clark at the forefront, Krauskopf aims to reshape the roster and create a championship-caliber team. As she embarks on her journey to build around Clark, the Indiana Fever’s future is looking brighter than ever.
