"'No deposit, no return' mindset": Indiana Fever coach sets benchmark for Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and co ahead of season opener

All eyes are on the Indiana Fever ahead of the 2024 WNBA season after they secured Caitlin Clark with the No. 1 pick of the draft. Along with the expectations, head coach Christie Sides wants her team to enter the new season with the right mentality.

Despite selecting Aliyah Boston in the 2023 WNBA draft with the first overall pick, the Indiana Fever failed to make the playoffs, finishing with the third-worst record in the league at 13-27, just above the Seattle Storm and Phoenix Mercury.

Now with Caitlin Clark in the fold, the team hopes to rise in the ranks.

Looking forward to the WNBA season, Christie Sides stressed the importance of hard work.

"Everything is earned. Nothing is given to you," said Sides. "Make sure we're in a 'no deposit, no return' mindset. You've got to put it in."

The Indiana Fever are set to kick off the regular season on May 14 against the Connecticut Sun at the Michigan Sun Arena. Their first home game at the Gainsbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will be two days later on May 16 against the New York Liberty.

Christie Sides impressed with Caitlin Clark's ability to distribute the basketball

The Indiana Fever are expected to be one of the most-watched WNBA teams in the 2024 season due to the popularity of Caitlin Clark.

Christie Sides was impressed by the Iowa standout after a few practice sessions and commended her ability to find an open teammate.

"Her passing ability, I mean, you saw some of the passes. I think we're not just used to having, you know, someone who can make some of those passes," said Sides at the 1:50 mark. "It's her passing. I'm just enamored at times to turn around because I'm like, about to like, get really excited."

Clark averaged 8.9 assists per game in college. Now with the Fever, she is expected to form a backcourt tandem with Kelsey Mitchell, who led the team in scoring in the 2023 season.

Clark's addition brings a seasoned point guard to the team, with Erica Wheeler, the leading assists contributor for the Fever, coming off the bench.