Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is wasting no time implementing her vision for the team, and one of her key adjustments involves how Caitlin Clark will be utilized in the offense. Unlike former head coach Christie Sides, who primarily placed Clark in a traditional point guard role, White appears ready to experiment with playing the young superstar off the ball more frequently. This shift could alleviate some of the defensive pressure Clark faced as a rookie while allowing her to maximize her elite shooting ability.
White, who took over the Fever after Sides was let go following the 2024 season, believes that Clark’s offensive potential can be unlocked further by giving her more opportunities to move without the ball. In a recent interview, she emphasized that Clark’s deep shooting range and ability to create separation make her just as dangerous playing off screens as she is orchestrating the offense. “Caitlin is an elite shooter, and we want to put her in situations where she can get open looks without having to always initiate the offense,” White explained. “She’s already shown she can handle being a floor general, but there’s another level to her game when she’s freed up to attack in different ways.”
This adjustment marks a notable departure from how Sides structured the offense last season, where Clark was responsible for both scoring and facilitating on nearly every possession. While Clark excelled statistically, leading the league in assists while averaging over 19 points per game, the relentless ball-handling responsibilities often left her as the primary focus of opposing defenses. By incorporating more off-ball actions, White aims to lessen the burden on Clark while still keeping her heavily involved in scoring and playmaking.
One of the biggest benefits of this shift is how it could open up the Fever’s offense as a whole. With new additions like DeWanna Bonner, Natasha Howard, and Sophie Cunningham, Indiana now has multiple scoring threats who can handle the ball, allowing Clark to roam and find open shots rather than being the primary ball-handler at all times. Additionally, this adjustment could extend Clark’s longevity in the league, reducing the wear and tear that comes with being constantly hounded by defenders full-court.
As the Fever prepare for the 2025 season, it’s clear that White’s approach will bring a fresh dynamic to the team. While Clark will still have plenty of moments running the offense, fans should expect to see her coming off screens, spotting up for threes, and playing in a way that takes full advantage of her skill set. With a revamped system and a deeper roster, Indiana’s new-look offense could make them a serious contender for a deep playoff run.
