With new head coach Stephanie White at the helm, the Indiana Fever are looking for a successful campaign next <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a> season, but they face uncertainty as key player Kelsey Mitchell approaches free agency. New president Kelly Krauskopf expressed the team’s commitment to re-signing her.



“She’s our number one priority,” Krauskopf said of Mitchell on a November 13 episode of the “Locked on Women’s Basketball” podcast with Howard Megdal. “Yes, we have the opportunity to core her. And it would be sort of irresponsible for me if we didn’t utilize that opportunity,” she added.



The ‘core’ player designation, similar to the NFL’s franchise tag, allows a team to protect one unrestricted free agent per offseason. This gives the team exclusive negotiating rights with the player, who receives a one-year, super-max offer. Since Mitchell agreed to an extension with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-fever">Indiana Fever</a> in 2021, she has not yet been designated as ‘core.’ However, it’s important to note that a player can only be ‘cored’ a maximum of two times.



“I think honestly, most players who were unrestricted free agents are most likely looking at one-year deals,” explained Krauskopf. “So that’s not unusual, and it certainly doesn’t change our opinion of how important Kelsey is, and how important she is to returning to this team,” she added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241114_BUS_272568_kelsey-mitchell-clark-1024x576_3a8e1212.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="kelsey mitchell and clark" class="wp-image-272576" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-clark.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kelsey Mitchell and Caitlin Clark of Indiana Fever talk to each other during the first half against the Dallas Wings (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Mitchell has spent all seven years of her career with the Fever. This past season, she had one of her best performances, averaging 19.2 points per game. She finished as the team’s second-leading scorer with 767 points, trailing only teammate <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba/wnba-fever-guard-kelsey-mitchell-shares-heartfelt-message-to-caitlin-clark-as-free-agency-looms">Caitlin Clark, to whom Mitchell recently expressed her admiration in a heartfelt message.</a>



<h2>Mitchell has opened up about her future</h2>



While Mitchell is currently playing for the Shanxi Flame in China for the offseason, she wrote in her recent The Player’s Tribune column that she doesn’t know where she will play next season in the WNBA.



“And it’s hard to know what the future holds,” Mitchell wrote. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know what colors I’ll be wearing next year, which just makes me cherish this season and our group even more,” she said.



The 28-year-old player endured a difficult 2024 due to the loss of her father, Mark Mitchell. This devastating loss, as she has explained, will make her consider all her options. However, Fever leadership and fans remain hopeful that she will stay with the team for at least one more year. After all, as Mitchell herself has expressed, the franchise has been her home.

Indiana Fever’s president discusses Kelsey Mitchell’s free agency as the star considers her options

WNBA: Caitlin Clark&#039;s bold comments on Indiana Fever&#039;s ambitions for next season

WNBA news: Sky coach Tyler Marsh outlines plans to ‘expand’ game of Reese and Cardoso

Indiana Fever’s president discusses Kelsey Mitchell’s free agency as the star considers her options - Bolavip US

miniaturas

Tyler Marsh, the newly appointed head coach of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-sky">Chicago Sky</a>, spoke about his expectations for two of his most important players: forward Angel Reese and center Kamilla Cardoso. The duo is expected to carry the franchise in the upcoming years, and Marsh has clear plans for the both of them.



“They’re young stars who have so much ahead of them, and being able to help them try to reach their potential is something that certainly appealed to me. And then also being able to put pieces around them that kind of highlight their strengths and what they do well, and building kind of that culture moving forward is definitely exciting,” he told Fox News.



When asked specifically for <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/angel-reese">Reese</a> and how he will help her expand her game, he said: “Angel has already showed some areas where she’s super efficient in,” but he’s looking to “expand on those” and help her be “multidimensional,” so she can help the team scoring, facilitating or defending.



“And the same with Kamilla,” he added. “We want both of them to be integral parts of who we are and what we do, and we don’t want them to just be one dimensional as far as their game goes. We want them to expand their games as much as possible, and open up the floor and create space for everyone else as well.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241114_BUS_272198_tyler-marsh-1-1-1024x576_cd1bf969.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="tyler marsh " class="wp-image-272200" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/tyler-marsh-1-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Tyler Marsh of the Las Vegas Aces warms up with players before a game against the Seattle Storm (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>What to expect from the Marsh Era at the Chicago Sky</h2>



<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba/wnba-news-sky-head-coach-tyler-marsh-opens-up-on-his-biggest-offseason-focus">Marsh already talked about his biggest focus for the offseason</a>. However, he also expanded on what he wants from his new team, both defensively and offensively. “We’ve got to protect the paint first. So we have the mobility and the size to do that,” he said.


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“We want to attack the ball and create turnovers so we can create extra possessions on offense. We want to control the boards, and we have to be in tune until we know the personnel, team tendencies, and individual tendencies,” he added.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241114_BUS_272198_kamilla-1024x576_765e120d.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="kamilla cardoso" class="wp-image-272201" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kamilla.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kamilla Cardoso #10 of the Chicago Sky looks on during the game against the Seattle Storm (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Meanwhile, offensively “is a bit of the reverse. We wanna protect the ball, first and foremost. We don’t want to beat ourselves. If we turn it over, we want to be selfless turnovers, not selfish turnovers,” he explained. “We want to attack the paint and be creative doing so. We want to create for each other and we want to keep playing. We want to be a team that can play through flow.”



With his strong work ethic, basketball knowledge, and ability to connect with players, Marsh is well-positioned to lead the Sky to success. His focus on player development and team culture will be key to the franchise’s future.

Angel Reese&#039;s optimistic reaction to Chicago Sky&#039;s new head coach Tyler Marsh

Sky star Angel Reese celebrates Coco Gauff’s WTA Finals triumph with warm message

WNBA news: Sky coach Tyler Marsh outlines plans to ‘expand’ game of Reese and Cardoso - Bolavip US

Tyler Marsh, the newly appointed head coach of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/chicago-sky">Chicago Sky</a>, wasted no time in outlining his priorities for the offseason, which include working closely with Angel Reese and the rest of the team in one key aspect: shooting.



“Lots of it. I told Rachel (Banham) and Michaela (Onyenwere) in our first conversations, ‘when we have it, I want you to feel the confidence of letting it ride.’ And that goes for everyone. Because we’re going to get you shooting some threes, too,” he said looking at Elizabeth Williams, prompting the laughs of the press.



The response wasn’t surprising as the Sky struggled with shooting throughout last season. The team made the fewest three-pointers in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/wnba">WNBA</a>. They only made 4.8 three-pointers per game, while the next worst team (the Connecticut Sun) made 5.9.



He continued, “We got some pieces that we’re going to add, and continue to build around the core that we already intact, moving forward. And so, I’m looking forward to that.” So, it seems like the plan it’s clear for the new coach who is, precisely, known for helping players improve their shooting skills.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">New Sky Head Coach Tyler Marsh on his biggest priority this offseason: "Shooting. We want shooting and lots of it." <a href="https://t.co/Vty6dkydrC">pic.twitter.com/Vty6dkydrC</a>— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) <a href="https://twitter.com/CHSN__/status/1856417680695111736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 12, 2024</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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Three-point shooting has been a key element of the Aces’ success under Marsh’s tenure on their coaching staff. In the 2024 regular season, Las Vegas posted a 35.5% three-point shooting accuracy, ranking fourth in the league.


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<h2>Angel Reese’s shooting stats can improve</h2>



While <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/angel-reese">Angel Reese</a> is best known for being a great rebounder, her rookie season was marked by shooting struggles. She only made 39.9% of her shots and a mere 18.8% of her three-pointers. In fact, there were six games where she shot below 25% from the field.


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However, the forward, who has already recovered from a season-ending wrist fracture, is already working on her catch-and-shoot three-pointer, as seen in a recent social media post. If she can improve this skill, she could become an even more formidable player.

WNBA News: Sky head coach Tyler Marsh opens up on his biggest offseason focus

WNBA: Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell shares heartfelt message to Caitlin Clark as free agency looms

WNBA News: Sky head coach Tyler Marsh opens up on his biggest offseason focus - Bolavip US

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell wrote a column for The Players’ Tribune in which she opened up about the ups and downs of her 2024 WNBA season, including the painful loss of her father, Mark Mitchell, in March, as well as hateful comments from fans. Despite the challenges, she also had heartfelt words for her newest teammate, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/caitlin-clark">Caitlin Clark</a>.



“And I have so much respect for Caitlin, especially, and how she handled it as a youngin,” Mitchell wrote. “I hope we did a good job of being there for you, too, C (heart emoji). I gave her her flowers early in the game because the eyes she brought shined a light on all of us, too.”



At another point in her letter, Mitchell addressed how the attention from new fans was one of the “craziest” parts of the season. “We obviously had a new spotlight on us, with Caitlin being drafted, who I’m proud to call a teammate. That was exciting in its own way, with the fans it brought to the arena and the opportunity it gave our squad. But I think, in a weird way, the outside noise kind of made people forget sometimes that we’re still human.”



Mitchell, 28, has spent her entire seven-year WNBA career with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-fever">Indiana Fever.</a> This year, she enjoyed one of her best seasons, averaging 19.2 points per game and earning All-Star honors for a second consecutive year. She finished the season with 767 points, just behind Caitlin Clark’s 769. However, Mitchell also revealed she is uncertain about her next steps.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241114_BUS_272155_kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-1024x576_d78240b9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="mitchell and clark" class="wp-image-272170" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/kelsey-mitchell-caitlin-clark-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption> Kelsey Mitchell #0 of the Indiana Fever celebrates with Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Mitchell reflects on her future with the Indiana Fever</h2>



The point guard, who recently began playing overseas for the Shanxi Flame, admitted she doesn’t know what her next season will look like as she enters her free agency period.


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“And it’s hard to know what the future holds,” Mitchell wrote. “I’ll be honest, I don’t know what colors I’ll be wearing next year, which just makes me cherish this season and our group even more.”



Mitchell has previously explained that her family will play a significant role in her decision-making process, particularly after the tragic loss of her father. “Obviously, I’ve always had a home in Indy, so it could potentially be a home for me again, but I think right now, the switching dynamic of my family and everything, I gotta do what’s best for me. That’s not hanging my hat on one team or another, but I think it’s specifically for me. I got to be selfish about that process.”



In The Players’ Tribune, she wrote: “You don’t expect your dad to die at 56. That sent a shock through our whole family and everyone that knew him. It hurt more than I could ever put into words. Pain and trauma makes you look at life a little different. I didn’t know what would happen next, if I was going to play this season… how I was supposed to play this season.”


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However, given her strong relationship with her teammates, it’s likely Mitchell will consider staying in Indiana. The Fever can also protect her by designating her as a core player, which is similar to the NFL’s franchise tag. WNBA teams can core one unrestricted free agent per offseason, but a player can only be cored for a maximum of two seasons. Since Mitchell agreed to an extension in 2021, she has yet to be cored.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark reveals she was ‘upset’ by her draft day experience

WNBA: Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell shares heartfelt message to Caitlin Clark as free agency looms - Bolavip US

During her appearance at the pro-am golf event at The Annika on Wednesday, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/caitlin-clark">Caitlin Clark</a> shared her thoughts on the Indiana Fever’s upcoming season. The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year made it clear that she and the team, now coached by Stephanie White, are aiming higher next year.



“Our goal last year was to reach the playoffs, and we accomplished that, but now we want to be championship contenders,” Clark told reporters. “I think we’re putting the pieces together to make that happen—hopefully adding some free agents. You can feel the excitement throughout the organization, the city, and our fans. I can’t wait to get back out there. Honestly, I wish we had a game tomorrow.”



Clark’s comments reflect her enthusiasm for a new campaign amid a transformative period for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/indiana-fever">Fever</a>. The franchise has brought in a new president, Kelly Krauskopf, and general manager, Amber Cox, while welcoming back White as head coach. White returns to Indiana after a successful two-year stint leading the Connecticut Sun.



Speaking about White with ESPN, Clark recently described her as a “legend” in Indiana. “Playing against her, I always felt her teams had the best scouting reports on us. That speaks to her knowledge of the game and analytical skills. Clearly, she was on the right track. Hopefully, now that she knows how to challenge us, she can help us overcome similar obstacles.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241113_BUS_272120_caitlin-clark-golf-1024x576_76eb67c7.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="caitlin clark golf" class="wp-image-272127" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/caitlin-clark-golf.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Caitlin Clark, professional basketball player, plays her shot from the fifth tee during a Pro-Am prior to The ANNIKA driven by Gainbridge at Pelican 2024 (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Coached by Christie Sides last season, the Fever ended a playoff drought dating back to 2016. Though they lost to White’s Sun in the first round, the campaign was still a success, bolstered by talents such as Aliyah Boston, the No. 1 pick in 2023, and Lexie Hull.


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<h2>Clark Still Uncommitted for the Offseason Despite Unrivaled’s Offer</h2>



According to multiple reports, the new 3v3 basketball league, Unrivaled, which spans eight weeks starting in January, has <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/sports/unrivaled-to-copy-mls-lionel-messi-strategy-to-persuade-wnba-star-caitlin-clark">made a “Lionel Messi-like offer” to Clark to join</a>. However, the guard appears content to take some time for herself and decompress after her first WNBA season.



That doesn’t mean Clark isn’t working on her game during the break. “Besides the actual basketball skill part of it, I think getting stronger is my focus,” she said when asked about her offseason goals. “I’m spending a lot of time in the weight room, just building that strength.”


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“I’m always wanting to get better, and that’s what drives me,” she added. “I love what I do, and I’m very fortunate that it’s my job.” After an impressive rookie season, fans are eager to see just how high Clark can climb in the years ahead.

WNBA: Caitlin Clark's bold comments on Indiana Fever's ambitions for next season

WNBA: New York Liberty star says she wants Fever&#039;s Caitlin Clark as teammate

WNBA: Caitlin Clark's bold comments on Indiana Fever's ambitions for next season - Bolavip US

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