Indiana Fever star NaLyssa Smith experienced a challenging season under former coach Christie Sides, who sidelined her from a starting position. This shift dramatically impacted her playing time, culminating in a mere 13 minutes of action during the Fever’s two-game playoff elimination by the Connecticut Sun. Smith, who had posted impressive stats the previous year, averaging 15.5 points and 9.2 rebounds, found herself in a frustrating situation, a sentiment she expressed through a deleted tweet and by removing “Indiana Fever” from her Instagram bio after the team’s early exit.
However, the recent firing of Sides seems to have reinvigorated Smith. Shortly after the announcement, she restored “Indiana Fever” to her Instagram profile, signaling her renewed commitment to the team. The excitement continued as she celebrated the hiring of Stephanie White, the former coach of the Connecticut Sun, who will take over Sides’ responsibilities. Smith shared the Fever’s official announcement on her Instagram, pairing it with the song “KYLIE!!!” by Lucki, specifically highlighting lyrics that emphasize a readiness to compete at championship level.
This shift marks a pivotal moment for Smith, who is entering the final year of her rookie contract, which the team can opt to extend. Last season, under Sides, her performance dipped, recording career lows of 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds. The changes in coaching could signify a new beginning not just for Smith but for the Fever as a whole, as they seek to reclaim their competitive edge in the league.
With a new coaching strategy in place and a star player rejuvenated, the Indiana Fever appear poised for a transformative season ahead. Smith’s return to form will be crucial as the team looks to capitalize on her potential and re-establish itself in the WNBA. The anticipation for the upcoming season is palpable, with fans eager to see how these changes will influence the Fever’s performance.
As Smith navigates this transitional phase, the hope is that both she and the Fever will flourish under new leadership, moving beyond last season’s disappointments. With renewed energy and clear communication from the coaching staff, Indiana fans have much to look forward to in the coming months.
