Caitlin Clark gave an overwhelming endorsement of the Indiana Fever’s offseason.
The WNBA team has gone through a major overhaul on every front and their biggest star now knows exactly what is expected from them.
A new coach in Stephaine White, a new general manager in Amber Cox, a new practice facility incoming and the addition of two WNBA champions in DeWanna Bonner and Natasha Howard.
This is a rebuild and a half for the Fever, and Clark, during the team’s announcement of Bonner’s arrival, hailed the off-season business as steps that bring them closer to a championship.
“They know what it takes to win, they know what it takes to get to the Finals, they know what it takes to win championships,” Clark said about the newcomers.
“I think it’s exactly what we needed in our locker room. But also they’re not just really good basketball players, they’re great leaders and great people and I know the front office prioritised that.”
The arrival of Bonner, a six-time All-Star and two-time WNBA champion, has had fans intrigued to see where her relationship stands with Clark.
This was after the pair had a heated exchange during game two of the Fever’s playoff match against the Connecticut Sun.
Clark and Bonner had a brief verbal confrontation followed by a push after the 23-year-old complained about a foul committed by the veteran.
Tensions remained high as another spat took place later in the game.
Nevertheless, any bit of animosity seems to have died as Bonner was asked about the scuffle and took the opportunity to praise Clark.
“I think it was just two competitive players who wanted to win and push their teams to get to the finish line,” Bonner told reporters.
“It’s the playoffs so emotions are high, tensions are high, but I’m excited to step on the court with Caitlin. I think we just feed well off of each other.”
It’s not just Bonner Clark is excited about playing with, as All-Star shooting guard Kelsey Mitchell and All-Star forward Aliyah Boston, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, are both back next season.
TIME’s Athlete of the Year thinks the Fever are set for an historic season and believes the newcomers know it too.
“This is the franchise of all women’s sports, I say, no matter what sport it is,” she said.”
“They see the type of crowds we get, the excitement we’re generating not only in Indiana but all across the country.
“I think the next few years are going to be amazing for this franchise and will continue to be for, hopefully, the next ten years. Hopefully, we win a few championships.”
Ultimately, even with the new additions, new coach and new GM, this is still Clark’s team.
After an historic season that featured the Rookie of the Year breaking the WNBA’s season mark for assists, attracting sellout crowds and snapping the seven-year postseason drought, the 23-year-old has made herself the franchise superstar.
So it will be Clark who will have to lead this team to a championship and end the 13-year wait for a WNBA title.