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The Caitlin Clark effect was felt on the WNBA far and wide this season. Whether Clark and the Fever were playing in Indiana, or on the road, fans flocked to watch the former NCAA star and the Indiana Fever play. At the same time, 36 of the team's 40 games were nationally televised given the attention that Clark attracted.
Despite all of that, Indiana Fever President Kelly Krauskopf didn't point to any of the above-mentioned metrics when speaking with media members Tuesday, where she cited Clark's playstyle as the main reason free agents should look at the Fever.
While speaking to media members at her introductory press conference Tuesday morning, Krauskopf, who returned to the team after spending the past six years as the Assistant GM for the Indiana Pacers, spoke about the WNBA's free agency period.
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As she explained, the appeal of having Caitlin Clark, who led the WNBA in assists this season, as a teammate is something that should be a major appeal to free agents.
"If you're a smart basketball player and you watch the way [Caitlin Clark] plays, you would want to play with her. Much like Tyrese Haliburton, she gets you the ball in places that you didn't even know you were open. Because she passes to space, she finds openings and ways to free up other players."
"I look at just really how her and Kelsey work together and the efficiency of the offense because of the way that she plays the game."
"This is my DNA" - Kelly Krauskopf opens up on taking Indiana Fever to the next level after Caitlin Clark fuels team to first playoff berth since 2016
The 2024 WNBA season not only saw Caitlin Clark make her presence felt through viewership numbers and WNBA records, but also the Indiana Fever reach the postseason for the first time since 2016.
Fueled by Caitlin Clark's facilitating and co-stars Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell, the team finished the regular season in sixth place, earning the team a long-awaited playoff berth.
Heading into the offseason, Kelly Krauskopf is eager to hit the ground running and help the Indiana Fever take the next steps toward title contention before the start of next season.
As she explained to media members in her introductory press conference, building a franchise is in her DNA. With 25 years of experience spread across the WNBA and the NBA, Krauskopf brings a wealth of knowledge to the team:
“I love the game. I mean, this is my DNA. Everything about running a team, running a basketball program, if you will, it's really who I am. It's my passion.”
“This is a winning franchise. We've had constant success of winning and being in the playoffs. And, you know, my plan is to return us to that level of consistency. And that takes commitment, that takes players that really are invested in being great players and being a great team.”
Given that Krauskopf was the architect behind the Indiana Fever's previous championship success, having her at the helm of the franchise as the Caitlin Clark-Aliyah Boston-Kelsey Mitchell trio looks to find their own success could prove invaluable for the team.
