When people ask about Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, my response is simple: “Relax. They’ll figure it out.” Clark has been thrown straight into the league, and she’s adapting. She’s facing different defensive schemes and matchups, and over time, she’s learning how to be more efficient.

Head coach Stephanie White recently made comments about Caitlin Clark’s game that have some fans worried. But before overreacting, let’s break it down. White is an incredible coach—she knows exactly what she’s doing. In fact, this might be the best thing for Caitlin and the Fever’s championship hopes.
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When asked if the Fever are true title contenders for 2025, White responded:

*”On paper, absolutely. Our goal was to bring in experienced players who complement our core. I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to build this much depth in just one year, but we did.”*

So, Fever fans, take a deep breath—inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. Let’s talk about the statement that had some of you in a panic.

White mentioned that Clark would play off the ball at times. Suddenly, fans started clutching their chests like they’d been hit with a full-court press. *What do you mean she won’t always have the ball?*

Relax. No one is sidelining Clark like a forgotten role player in a video game. This is part of a bigger plan—one that makes the Fever even more dangerous.

Caitlin Clark is an elite playmaker. Her vision is unmatched, her handles are shifty, and her shooting range? Pure Steph Curry-level disrespect. So, it might sound strange to hear she won’t always have the ball in her hands. But here’s the reality—this move makes both Clark and the Fever *more* dangerous.

1. **Reduces Turnovers** – Clark had some high-turnover games, but not all turnovers are created equal. Some came from aggressive plays, while others were simply bad mistakes. Moving her off the ball at times minimizes unnecessary turnovers.

2. **Conserves Energy** – Handling the ball for 94 feet every possession is exhausting. If Clark is always the primary ball handler, she’ll constantly face double teams, pressure, and defensive schemes designed to wear her down. Off-ball movement creates cleaner scoring opportunities while helping her stay fresh.

3. **Unlocks a New Dimension** – Imagine Clark sprinting off screens, catching a pass, and firing a three before the defense can react. That’s a nightmare for opposing teams.

White isn’t taking the ball out of Clark’s hands—she’s expanding her game. Just like how Steph Curry runs through screens to free himself for open shots, Clark will become even tougher to guard.

Clark still remains the primary ball handler, the offensive leader, and the player who will pull up from 35 feet like it’s her job (because, well, it is). But White is making sure she doesn’t have to do *everything* all the time.

Think about Michael Jordan early in his career—he did everything himself. He dropped 50 points, played elite defense, and then ran out of gas by the fourth quarter. Enter Phil Jackson, who implemented the triangle offense, allowing MJ to work smarter, not harder. That shift extended his career and made the Bulls unstoppable.

Clark’s situation is no different. At Iowa, she *had* to do it all. Now, she can play smarter basketball while still being the Fever’s superstar.

And it’s not just about her role. White has built a system that supports Clark rather than relying on her to be a one-woman show. The Fever’s offseason moves were calculated, not desperate.

Some critics claim that Indiana is “stacking the deck” to give Clark a superteam. In reality, White is simply making smart decisions:

– **Signing DeWanna Bonner** – A proven scorer, defender, and rebounder who White has coached before.

– **Adding Sydney Colson** – A veteran guard who brings leadership and can help handle the ball, giving Clark much-needed rest.

– **Strengthening the Bench** – Last season, Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Kelsey Mitchell played *too* many minutes. Now, the Fever have the depth to keep their stars fresh.

This is a massive shift from the previous season when former coach Christie Sides essentially told Clark to “figure it out” and play 40 minutes a night.

Now, Clark can actually *sit down* for a few minutes without the team collapsing. Instead of running on fumes by the fourth quarter, she’ll be fresh and ready to dominate.

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