Indianapolis – It’s hard to think of the Indiana Fever without immediately considering Kate Clark. Few athletes have transcended their sport like she has, so naturally, every move the team makes is viewed through her lens.
Questions swirl: “How will the new general manager construct a team around Clark?” “What kind of offensive strategies will focus on her?” “How do the new players integrate with Clark?”
It’s pretty challenging to avoid seeing everything through this specific viewpoint. After all, Clark represents the potential of becoming the league’s next big star.
Yet, it’s essential to remember that basketball is a team sport. Titles aren’t claimed by individual brilliance alone, and the Fever is, well, more than just one player.
Before Clark joined, Aliya Boston was already making waves. Drafted first overall last year, Boston snagged Rookie of the Year honors and earned an All-Star selection in her debut season.
She and Clark created a strong partnership on the court, particularly in pick-and-roll situations. But, unfortunately, this dynamic duo couldn’t convert their skills into postseason triumphs.
In an interesting twist, the coach who ended their season, White, has returned to the Fever, coming from the Connecticut Sun. She introduces an entirely new offensive system, which doesn’t pivot solely on Clark and Boston’s pick-and-roll.
This isn’t about turning Clark into the sole star. White envisions Boston as the focal point of the offense.
“When people hear ‘hub,’ they often think it means constant passing,” she explained. “I’d like Boston to embrace that role a bit more fully, but I think that will develop as she gains confidence in her decision-making.”
The Fever’s Lineup: Elevating Boston’s Game
While the offense will certainly feature Clark prominently, the revamped roster could also set Boston and her teammates up for more opportunities.
Last season, Boston mostly played in a conventional setup alongside power forwards like Narissa Smith and Temi Fagbenie. Out of her 1,236 minutes on the court, over 1,000 were spent in tandem with another big player.
This limited the offensive threat in previous lineups. The Fever lacked perimeter threats but maintained solid defensive efforts. One key offseason addition was Dewanna Bonner.
Bonner’s ability to stretch the floor as a shooter will allow the Fever to unleash Boston’s capabilities. The coaching staff is keen on placing Boston in varied positions, encouraging her movement.
“I believe this new approach will benefit her greatly,” White commented. “Finding her shooting spots looks different now compared to our last system. We want her to capitalize on her opportunities.”
Last season, Boston primarily operated from the post, but this year, the Fever aims to diversify her offensive threats across the court.
“Last year, I was more confined to the block,” Boston stated. “Now, I’m moving around the wings, playing above the arc, and I feel much more versatile.”
“It’s really about understanding where I am on the floor and knowing my next move,” she added.
Beyond Scoring: Boston’s Playmaking Role
White identifies Boston’s playmaking skills as another reason to see her as the offensive hub. While Boston may not dish out assists at the same rate as Clark, her passing abilities are impressive in their own right.
Boston’s own usage rate rose last season despite Clark’s arrival, placing her among the league’s top ten. The challenge for opponents is that Boston is adept at finding open teammates, much like she excels in driving to the basket.
Her growth is demonstrated by an increase in assists per game, nearly 40 more than her rookie season, even with fewer overall minutes.
“That’s crucial,” White noted about Boston’s passing. “We want her to embrace being a facilitator while still being a scoring threat.”
Last season, few WNBA centers matched Boston’s assist numbers, with only two showcasing higher assist rates overall.
The preseason already hints at what it looks like to have Boston at the center of the offense, especially with her increased passing ability.
“I take pride in my passing,” Boston commented. “My teammates do a great job of setting me up, and I want to ensure they’re in the right spots for success. There’s nothing better than seeing someone score off an assist I made.”
As long as she is part of the Fever, this team is likely to revolve around Kate Clark, both on the court and off it. There’s a solid argument that the team’s trajectory in the coming years may hinge on her performance.
However, if the Fever hopes to meet the high expectations surrounding them this season, they will need more than just Clark. And Aliya Boston seems more than ready to step up beyond being just a star companion in the quest for a title.
