Caitlyn Clark came into her second WNBA season with sky-high expectations after a historic rookie year. She was the future of the league—leading the Indiana Fever with record-breaking stats and attracting attention that the WNBA had never seen. But instead of building on that momentum, the Fever have stagnated, plagued by inconsistent play and a lack of support around their star. The team has serious weak links, and today we’re breaking down the five players who are holding Caitlyn Clark back.

5. Sydney Coulson
Coulson was signed in the hopes of providing veteran leadership to a young roster, but in practice, she’s been a non-factor on the court. Despite 28 games of play, Coulson’s stats are minimal—just 2.5 points, 0.8 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. At 35, her game has slowed dramatically. She’s often a step behind in a fast-paced system built for speed and quick ball movement, and her hesitant play is a major roadblock for a team like the Fever that thrives on transition and offensive flow. Coulson’s experience off the court is valuable, but on it, she’s taking minutes away from younger players who could be developing into key contributors.

4. Brianna Turner
Once a promising first-round pick known for her defense and hustle, Turner’s performance this season has been a nightmare. Averaging just 0.4 points and 0.9 rebounds per game in 14 appearances, her stat line is historically bad for a forward. Turner has become a ghost on both ends of the floor—rarely making an impact offensively or defensively. With Clark needing solid screens, aggressive rolls to the basket, and strong defense to free her up, Turner’s lack of effort and disengaged body language has left the Fever scrambling for answers. Turner’s inability to contribute at a consistent level has been a major problem for Indiana.

3. Kelsey Mitchell
Kelsey Mitchell’s scoring ability is undeniable—she’s been the Fever’s go-to scorer since her rookie year. But the problem is her style of play doesn’t mesh well with Clark’s. Mitchell still plays as if she’s the primary ball-handler, often holding onto the ball too long, over-dribbling, and isolating herself from the team’s flow. When Clark is on the floor, the offense runs smoothly, but Mitchell’s tendency to take over creates a clash in styles, disrupting the spacing and tempo. Defenders have figured out how to guard Mitchell, forcing her into tough, contested shots, and her defensive struggles compound the problem. The question is, does Mitchell deserve a max contract next season when the team needs sharpshooters and unselfish role players around Clark?

2. Deiris Dantis
Brought in as a tough, physical presence to shore up the Fever’s frontcourt, Dantis has been a major disappointment in 2025. Averaging just 5 points and 2.4 rebounds per game while shooting under 38%, she’s not contributing nearly enough for a player expected to finish strong in the paint and space the floor. Her slow rotations and lack of defensive awareness make her a liability in key moments, and her hesitancy on offense kills the rhythm. Clark needs teammates who can quickly spot up for shots and provide reliable help on defense—Dantis hasn’t provided either. She’s a passive veteran holding up minutes for younger, more aggressive players who could help drive the team forward.

1. Natasha Howard
Now we come to the biggest drag on Caitlyn Clark’s system—Natasha Howard. On paper, Howard was the dream signing—a former All-Star and three-time WNBA champion with a reputation for dominant inside play. But the reality has been much different. Howard’s shooting percentage is a troubling 41%, and she’s missed countless easy shots at the rim. Clark’s fast-paced game needs aggressive forwards who can finish strong or stretch the floor, but Howard isn’t doing either. Her defensive struggles are even more glaring—she’s slow to rotate, struggles with footwork, and gets beat off the dribble. Howard’s inconsistent play has put more pressure on Clark to carry both the scoring and the momentum, which isn’t sustainable for the Fever’s future.

The Bottom Line:
Caitlyn Clark’s potential is undeniable, but the supporting cast around her is sinking the Fever’s chances of success. With veteran players like Howard, Dantis, Mitchell, Turner, and Coulson holding up roster spots and failing to perform, the team is wasting Clark’s prime. Indiana has cap space, draft picks, and the league’s most marketable player in Clark, but if they don’t make bold roster moves, they risk losing their star to frustration and burnout.

The Fever’s future depends on surrounding Clark with players who fit her fast-paced, high-energy game. It’s time for Indiana to cut the dead weight, stop holding onto legacy contracts, and build around the players who understand their roles—like Lexi Hall, Sophie Cunningham, and Michaela Onionwear. These are the types of hungry, selfless role players the Fever need if they’re going to contend and capitalize on Clark’s immense talent.

The Clock is Ticking.
Caitlyn Clark doesn’t need teammates she has to carry. She needs teammates who can carry with her. The clock is ticking, and if Indiana doesn’t make the right moves now, they risk burning through Clark’s prime years. It’s time for the Fever to decide who stays and who goes—because the future of this team depends on it.