Latest ESPN core ranking proves Fever are built to be future champions

The Indiana Fever find themselves at the top of the ESPN core rankings. What does this mean? It means that the Fever have the top young talent in the league already on their roster and have plenty of pieces to be successful for years. This comes after having two of the first overall picks in previous seasons (2023 & 2024). Both of their selections, Aliyah Boston & Caitlin Clark, went on to win Rookie of the Year awards in each of their first seasons.

This dynamic duo provides a solid core for head coach Stephanie White to build around. What makes these two pieces so dangerous for the league to deal with is that they both are stable and reliable. Both Boston and Clark have played consistently through college and the pros. Each player complements the other very well, and the chemistry between the two is a huge part of the Fever offense.

Clark's basketball IQ leads a high-volume offense and efficient tempo, while Boston brings power inside the arc. Boston is putting up big numbers already this season despite Clark's injury, leading the league in field-goal percentage (67.6%). This is a positive sign for the Fever because it shows Boston doesn't have to completely rely on Clark being on the floor, given their strong chemistry.

The core-3 for the Fever will continue to be a threat

This season hasn't gotten off to the start fans expected, given the high expectations going in. The Fever currently sits at 7th in the overall standings with a 3-4 record. This doesn't change the fact that there is much to be excited about, and the team continues to look to the future.

Don't sleep on Lexie Hull, the third member of the core-3 for the Fever. She is a solid guard in her fourth season out of Stanford, and she continues to grow each game. Last season, she really put the foot on the gas and helped propel the Fever into their first playoff appearance since 2016. She led the league in three-point percentage (47.1%) in 2024 and finds herself already at the top in this category this season shooting 55.6%. She is known as a "sharp-shooter" and her role grew larger with the absence of Clark.

Hull has been the most consistent player on the Fever roster and quickly earned her way into the starting lineup. She is one of the Fever's best defensive players as well. Hull leads the WNBA in offensive fouls drawn (12).

The Core-3 for the Fever creates a solid foundation for long-term success under a strong and experienced coaching staff. Indianapolis has quickly grown to be a favorable landing spot for players. Ownership has made it very clear with free agent signings in the off-season, combined with their young talent, that championships will inevitably become a part of the Fever's near future.