Historically-speaking, Indiana has been a very boring case study when it comes to the WNBA draft. When winning means picking late, that’s a good thing. But the Fever have made a few offseason moves in what’s shaping up to be an unusually exciting draft night.

Moving Beyond

The Fever are not accustomed to losing. In the franchise’s 18-year history, the blue, gold and red won more than 15 games each season since 2002. They have been one of the WNBA’s gems and a yearly contender since their inception in 2000. But at 9-25, the 2017 season yielded their lowest win percentage ever.

Moving on from the Tamika Catchings era was expected to be a challenge last year. You don’t hang a jersey of a team legend — nay, a league legend — in the rafters at Bankers Life Fieldhouse and just pick up the pieces.

Following a coaching shuffle and quick retooling effort, Indiana poised for a return to the playoffs in just over a year, and Fever fans have something to be excited about.

Fever Retire Catchings’ Jersey »

Moving Forward

Following the departures of Catchings and former coach Stephanie White, the additions of new coach Pokey Chatman and veteran forward Candice Dupree brought added experience and fresh leadership to a veteran roster in 2017.

Despite three season-ending injuries and first-year struggles from the new-look Fever, Chatman and Indiana locked down Dupree, a six-time All-Star, to a multi-year deal securing her services into the twilight of her career. The 12-year veteran paced Indiana with 15.0 points and 5.8 rebounds last summer.

Chatman has also been locked in, taking on additional responsibility while securing player personnel control as part of a transition of GM powers from President Kelly Krauskopf. Some of Chatman’s offseason moves included re-signing a core of returning players including Erica Wheeler, Shenise Johnson and Jeanette Pohlen-Mavunga.

Fever Re-Sign Candice Dupree »

Moving In

On the very first day of player movement in the WNBA, sparked by the opening of free agency on Feb. 1, Chatman executed a trade with Las Vegas to acquire 6-4 center Kayla Alexander who is expected to bolster Indiana’s post play alongside Dupree and returning centers Natalie Achonwa and Erlana Larkins. The Fever also added Belgian guard Hind Ben-Abdelkadar via free agency.

“I’m excited to have Kayla join our team,” said Chatman. “Her size and length, along with her offensive efficiency, will bolster our paint presence on both ends of the floor.”

Chatman’s longtime sidekick assistant coach, Christie Sides, also joined the Fever in February, re-uniting the sideline duo that has served together over 12 seasons in various coaching jobs from Louisiana State to Russia to the Chicago Sky.

Fever Aquire Kayla Alexander »

Moving On

A bittersweet transaction in March saw Indiana trade point guard Briann January to Phoenix, in exchange for the No. 8 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. January was a six-time All-Defensive Team selection and averaged 9.5 points and 3.9 assists in 2017. A meniscus tear in her right knee cut last season short; and elevated play with flashes of excitement from point guard Erica Wheeler gave the Fever an opportunity to add depth in the draft.

“Bri has been a key component in the success of the franchise, including helping Indiana to a 2012 championship,” said Fever Head Coach and General Manager Pokey Chatman. “As much as we value her skills and veteran experience, this move gives us a tremendous opportunity to improve our franchise for years to come.”

Fever Receive No. 8 Pick in Exchange for January »

Onward and Upward

Thursday, April 12 looms as a very prominent day in the future of the Indiana Fever franchise, preparing for what will soon be a third decade of WNBA action. Indiana is armed to add some quality weapons with picks No. 2 and No. 8 in the first round. It’s been 13 years (2005) since Indiana was selecting inside the top four. It’s just the third time in team history with two selections in the first round (2001, 2014, 2018) — and the first time ever with two picks inside the top eight.

And with the second pick of the second round, Indiana welcomes a deeper-than-normal talent pool with the No. 14 selection, also.

The question, now, is what Indiana chooses to do with its pair of first-rounders, given the roster’s offseason reconstruction efforts. The Fever, last in the WNBA in rebounding the past two years and seemingly in search of a new stud in the post prior to the February acquisition of Alexander, now are in great position to take the best players available.

Top 2018 WNBA Draft Candidates »

Surely, Indiana can benefit from tremendous young talent at any position, but now the club isn’t hamstrung by a specific, glaring need.

With the departure of January, it makes sense that one of Indiana’s first-round choices be a guard. Viable point guard options like UConn’s Kia Nurse or Ohio State’s Kelsey Mitchell both make sense. Adding size is still essential, but will South Carolina center A’Ja Wilson still be available at the No. 2 pick? What other post players are worthy of first-round consideration? Another perimeter scorer alongside Wheeler, Shenise Johnson and Tiffany Mitchell could add firepower. And a slashing forward or power forward would aid in providing depth with Dupree and Erica McCall.

This is the luxury Indiana now has — two picks in the top eight, three in the top 14 and no obligatory holes to fill. Two things are certain, an influx of talent is a good circumstance for training camp and any team’s future; and speaking of futures, it is very bright for the Indiana Fever.