The Indiana Fever’s Bold Move to Protect Caitlin Clark: The WNBA’s New Enforcers and a Culture Shift that Will Change Everything

Caitlin Clark’s rookie season in the WNBA wasn’t just a trial by fire—it was a gauntlet. The league’s most-hyped newcomer, already known for her incredible shooting ability and flair, found herself facing something much tougher than the usual rookie learning curve. What she encountered was a league ready to test her limits—physically and mentally—with some players sending a clear message: “You’re not welcome here.”

For Clark, the 2023 season became a battle of survival. From flagrant fouls to hard screens, every game turned into a brutal test of endurance. But the rookie didn’t back down. Despite absorbing a staggering 17% of the league’s flagrant fouls—many from her fierce competitors like the Chicago Sky—Clark’s response was chilling in its simplicity. She never retaliated. Never complained. She just adjusted her ponytail, drained a three-pointer, and jogged back on defense. That ice-cold resilience only made the hostility worse. It was clear: Caitlin Clark needed backup.

Enter the Indiana Fever’s game-changing offseason overhaul.

The Need for Protection: How the Fever Responded

The Fever’s front office didn’t just sit back and watch. They acted, and they acted decisively. The result is one of the most calculated roster overhauls in franchise history. The Fever’s mission? To make sure that Clark not only had the space to operate but also the protection to thrive—without fear of being physically overwhelmed.

This season, the Fever has surrounded their star player with a roster built for grit, toughness, and, above all, defense. The Fever’s new players aren’t just talented—they’re warriors, ready to defend Clark’s honor and her place in the league.

Natasha Howard: The Defensive Anchor

The first major addition to the Fever’s roster was Natasha Howard, a three-time WNBA champion, former Defensive Player of the Year, and perennial All-Star. Standing at 6’2” with a wingspan that can disrupt entire possessions, Howard brings both defensive prowess and offensive skill to the team. Last season, she averaged 17.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and nearly 3 assists—a well-rounded stat line that made her an immediate upgrade for the Fever.

Howard’s primary role, however, is clear: she’s here to protect Clark and the rest of the team. No longer will Clark be the recipient of cheap shots from opposing teams. Howard, a veteran known for her toughness, isn’t just about blocking shots and grabbing rebounds. She’s the enforcer, ready to make sure no one takes liberties with her teammates.

“I’m excited to return to Indiana and bring my experience and toughness to the team,” Howard said. “I want to help Caitlin and the Fever compete at the highest level.”

Howard’s presence will make it clear to any team thinking about testing Clark that they’ll have to deal with more than just the sharpshooter’s skills. Now, they’ll have to deal with Howard’s defensive might and leadership.

Sophie Cunningham: The Spark with a Chip on Her Shoulder

If Howard is the enforcer, Sophie Cunningham is the irritant—the player who gets under the skin of opponents and isn’t afraid to fight dirty when necessary. A long-range threat with a 37.8% shooting clip from beyond the arc, Cunningham is more than just a skilled player. She’s also a strategic menace.

Having a background in martial arts, Cunningham isn’t just about finesse. She’s gritty, tough, and built for the physical grind of the WNBA. In fact, she’s the kind of player you love when she’s on your team and hate when she’s not.

In her first interactions with Clark, Cunningham quickly recognized the young star’s immense potential. “She sees the floor before she even catches the ball,” Cunningham said of Clark. Their chemistry is palpable, and Cunningham’s presence on the court means that defenders now have to worry not just about Clark’s sharpshooting but about the physicality and mental toughness Cunningham brings to the game.

Brianna Turner & DeWanna Bonner: The Vets Who Bring Teeth

While Howard and Cunningham are the enforcers, the rest of the frontcourt trio, including Brianna Turner and DeWanna Bonner, add the muscle and experience to make the Fever’s defense truly fearsome. Turner, known for her elite shot-blocking and length, brings a defensive presence that no team will be able to ignore. Bonner, a two-time champion and five-time All-Star, brings poise, leadership, and a proven ability to perform in high-stakes moments.

Together, they form an intimidating frontcourt that gives Clark the breathing room she needs to do what she does best—shoot, score, and lead the team. With Turner protecting the paint and Bonner stretching the floor, Clark has the space to dominate without worrying about being physically overwhelmed.

A New Identity: More Than Just a Roster Overhaul

What the Indiana Fever has built isn’t just a roster of talented players—it’s a new identity. This offseason wasn’t about adding a few pieces here and there; it was about changing the culture of the team. Levit’s message to the rest of the league is clear: You mess with Clark, you mess with us. The Fever is no longer a team that will quietly accept the treatment of its star player—it is now a team that will fight for every inch, every point, and every rebound.

No longer will Clark be a target for opposing teams trying to bully her into submission. With Howard, Cunningham, Turner, and Bonner on her side, she has a team ready to stand up for her—and for the future of the franchise.

What’s Next for Caitlin Clark and the Fever?

The stakes are high for Caitlin Clark as she enters her second season in the WNBA, but with the support of her new teammates, she is primed to take her game to the next level. With the additions of Howard, Cunningham, Turner, and Bonner, the Fever’s defensive lineup has become one of the most formidable in the league.

For Clark, the new roster represents more than just protection—it represents a shift in the way the league will view her and the Fever. No longer will she be a target; now, she will have the freedom to dominate on her terms.

The 2024 WNBA season promises to be an exciting one, and the Indiana Fever’s commitment to building a team that plays with grit, toughness, and respect will undoubtedly set the tone for years to come.