Fever problem is ruining title dreams- and Caitlin Clark can't fix it

The Indiana Fever need more ball-handling and playmaking on their roster. Caitlin Clark is the best offensive engine in the W. The franchise should put the ball in her hands more, but she can’t do it by herself. Aliyah Boston is averaging 3.9 assists per game as an offensive hub. That does not solve their issues with backcourt creation. Fever fans saw the problem on full display in the five games Clark missed with a quad injury.

Aari McDonald filled in admirably as a short-term signing, but Indiana was unable to keep her on their roster. It leaves Kelsey Mitchell and Sydney Colson as the Fever’s top two playmaking guards behind Clark. Sadly, fans do not want either player operating as the point guard, even in limited stretches.

Mitchell’s best role is well-documented, and the last time Colson averaged over 2.0 assists per game was 2016. Neither should be running the show for a title contender. Clark can’t play all 40 minutes, so the Fever have a problem.

Fever desperately need a playmaking guard behind Caitlin Clark

Indiana signed Colson in the offseason knowing she hadn’t played more than eight minutes per game since 2019. She is getting 16.3 per night in the first 12 contests and the Fever are 18.5 points per 100 possessions worse when she is on the floor. They simply cannot rely on her to be the primary playmaker in any unit.

Mitchell is an elite scorer, but she struggles when running the show. The 5’8 guard is not a playmaker and tends to rely too much on isolating when given the keys. Mitchell’s usage is up and efficiency down to begin this season. That is not ideal for the Fever.

The front office failed to add another creator in the offseason. Teams are trying to play Clark off the ball because they know Indiana has zero answers behind her. The Fever’s roster construction made it a viable strategy and their coaching staff is making it too easy to use. Indy must let Clark cook and find someone capable of running the show when she needs a rest.

Making roster upgrades is difficult because of the WNBA’s hard cap. The Fever did not have the wiggle room to keep McDonald, so making a trade is nearly impossible. Still, Indiana should be searching for someone who can create some easy buckets and operate as their point guard behind Clark.

The Indiana Fever will play better. Caitlin Clark is too good. The new coaching staff will figure things out and optimize the talent on their roster. Fans need to give it some time. The Fever are elite, and it will soon be on full display. This missing piece could be their kryptonite and must be fixed ASAP. Sadly, that likely means after the 2025 season. All fans can do is stay tuned to find out.