"Former WNBA MVP Sheryl Swoopes Criticizes Indiana Fever for Failing 2x All-Star, Says 'Didn't Do a Very Good Job'" (PO)

Sheryl Swoopes has shared her opinions on the Indiana Fever’s 2024 season and the three-time WNBA MVP addressed a range of issues about the team on the latest episode of her podcast. Speaking on “Levels to This With Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby” on Wednesday, she spoke about former coach Christie Sides, playing under the hype of Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell’s contract.

After the Fever reached the playoffs for the first time since 2016, Swoopes praised Christie Sides’ term as the team’s coach but believes there is a player who the organization let down. The Texas native claims that the Fever did not recognize two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell for her outstanding season.

“Personally, here’s where I think they didn’t do a very good job, and that was with Kelsey Mitchell, who’s an unrestricted free agent. Because Kelsey Mitchell had a hell of a season this season, and I don’t think that she got the credit that she deserved,” said Swoopes.
also-read-trendingTrending
Mitchell is currently a free agent and will go into the offseason in search of a new contract. After she finished with averages of 19.2 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, there will be plenty of teams interested in signing the talented shooting guard.

Swoopes has been in the headlines for her out-of-the-ordinary takes surrounding Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. During an episode of the “Gil’s Arena” podcast in January, Swoopes incorrectly claimed Clark had taken five years to break Kelsey Plum’s all-time scoring record, which she broke in four years.

While speaking on the “Queens of the Court” podcast she also claimed Clark should not be favored for the Rookie of the Year award over Angel Reese because Indiana would be a playoff team without her. That was despite the Fever missing out of the playoffs for seven straight seasons prior to Clark’s arrival in Indianapolis.

Stephen A. Smith criticizes Sheryl Swoopes for not acknowledging Caitlin Clark’s influence

Sheryl Swoopes has regularly brought up Caitlin Clark and the Fever when analyzing the WNBA but chose to leave her out of the conversation during one key moment. On an episode of the “Queens of the Court” in August, Swoopes touched on the Fever’s impressive run and mentioned a string of players while leaving out Caitlin Clark. That seemed to irk well-known sports personality Stephen A. Smith.

On an episode of his own podcast, Smith went as far as to use the word “insane” when addressing Swoopes’ conduct.

“So no Caitlin Clark? Sheryl Swoopes… no Caitlin Clark? Respectfully, Sheryl Swoopes, do you have any idea how that makes you look?,” Smith asked.”
“Do you realize that, Sheryl Swoopes, you’re insane to do that?,” Smith added.

Expand Tweet
Caitlin Clark is coming off arguably the greatest rookie season in the history of the league. The Iowa native shattered several WNBA records, most notably the single-season assists record, and went on to be named the league’s Rookie of the Year.