Caitlin Clark can’t reach her ceiling until this Kelsey Mitchell issue is fixed

The Indiana Fever must limit Kelsey Mitchell’s isolation attempts to fully unlock Caitlin Clark’s greatness. The 23-year-old superstar is best with the ball in her hands. Indiana had the best offense in the W after last season’s Olympic break by figuring out to use Mitchell as a cutter and floor spacer off Clark. They need that Mitchell and not the one firing shots off the bounce.

Clark is an otherworldly force. She has already had a gigantic impact in recruiting talent to Indiana. CC is unstoppable with the ball in her hands, and Mitchell had her most efficient year in 2024 by playing off the rookie.

The duo has not found their synergy this season. Mitchell’s efficiency is in the tank after 12 games. Her usage is up and the percentage of her assisted field goals is down. The Fever are clearly asking her to do more, and it is hurting everyone involved.

Caitlin Clark should be on the ball with Kelsey Mitchell as the play-finisher

Mitchell is shooting 41.3 percent from the field and 26.8 percent on his 3-point attempts after 12 games. It would be the worst long-range mark of her career and her worst percentage from the field since 2019. The sample size is small, and Clark missed five games with an injury. There are several reasons to explain it away, but her scoring on fewer unassisted shots is a problem.

The Fever’s ideal offense has Clark running the point and creating for others with Mitchell as their leading scorer. The 29-year-old averaged 24.8 points per game after the Olympic break last season if you eliminate the final contest where she played just four minutes. Mitchell was scoring off cuts and wide-open shots as Clark bent the defense. Indiana had the W’s top offense and was virtually unstoppable.

Mitchell is not a point guard. She is a scorer. The quicker Stephanie White and the new coach staff embraces that, the better for all involved. Teams want to force Clark to give up the ball. The Fever should do whatever possible to keep it in her hands. That is how they become a title contender. It is certainly not by giving Mitchell more playmaking responsibilities.

It took a while for this dynamic duo to sort things out last season. The new coaching staff and roster shake-up set things back, but the film is out there. Mitchell is one of the best scorers in the W, and Clark is the best offensive engine. The Fever need to put them in those roles to maximize their talents and become a serious title challenger.

Caitlin Clark’s numbers are outstanding, but the Fever are 6-6 after 12 games. Fans know CC is not happy about that. They are just 4-3 in contests where Clark has played. That is not acceptable. The 23-year-old superstar wants to win and needs more on-ball reps to make that a reality.

The Indiana Fever have adjustments to make, but it is still early. They can win any game, and their chances improve with their best players in maximized roles. Now is the time, especially if they want to compete with the top teams this season. Give Clark more responsibility and make Mitchell a scorer. It will make their offense unstoppable.