Should Fever try to get Kelsey Plum to join Caitlin Clark as a dynamic duo?

Should the Indiana Fever Try to Get Kelsey Plum to Join Caitlin Clark as a Dynamic Duo?

In the ever-evolving landscape of the WNBA, teams are always looking for ways to create competitive advantages and position themselves for championships. The Indiana Fever, a franchise that has historically been known for its passionate fan base and competitive spirit, has been in a period of rebuilding in recent seasons. However, the team has several promising young players like NaLyssa Smith and Queen Egbo, and it appears they are beginning to build a core capable of making serious noise in the postseason in the near future.

One idea that has been floated around is the possibility of the Fever acquiring Kelsey Plum, the Las Vegas Aces star guard, and pairing her with Caitlin Clark, the explosive Iowa guard, to create a dynamic backcourt duo. Both players have had incredible careers at the collegiate level and have shown the ability to elevate their teams with their offensive firepower, basketball IQ, and leadership. Pairing these two players could potentially create an unstoppable force, blending Clark’s sharpshooting and ability to take over games with Plum’s speed, scoring ability, and playmaking.

While this may seem like a dream scenario for the Fever, the question remains: Is it feasible, and would it actually make the Fever a championship contender? In this piece, we’ll explore both the practical and theoretical reasons behind such a move and evaluate if this duo could help elevate the Fever back to championship contention in the WNBA.

The Case for Kelsey Plum and Caitlin Clark: A Dynamic Backcourt Duo

Kelsey Plum: A Proven Scorer and Leader

Kelsey Plum, who was drafted by the San Antonio Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces) in 2017, has grown into one of the most dynamic and prolific scorers in the WNBA. Over her career, she’s established herself as a dangerous offensive weapon, capable of scoring from anywhere on the court, and is known for her ability to shoot the three-ball, drive to the basket, and create opportunities for her teammates.

In the 2022 season, Plum solidified herself as a leader for the Aces, helping lead them to a WNBA Championship under head coach Becky Hammon. Plum’s ability to perform in clutch moments, combined with her elite scoring, makes her an invaluable asset on any team. Furthermore, her experience and leadership on a championship-caliber team would be beneficial for a young team like the Fever, helping to guide them toward playoff contention.

Her playmaking skills are another important asset. While known primarily as a scorer, Plum has evolved into a solid passer, averaging 5.1 assists per game in 2022. This dual-threat capability—scoring and creating for others—makes her an even more attractive piece for a team that could use another creator alongside Caitlin Clark.

Caitlin Clark: A Scoring Machine and Elite Playmaker

On the other hand, Caitlin Clark, who is set to enter the WNBA after her collegiate career at the University of Iowa, has already garnered immense attention for her ability to take over games with her scoring. Her range as a shooter is almost limitless, and her ability to knock down three-pointers from anywhere on the court—combined with her court vision and playmaking—has drawn comparisons to the best in the game, including Stephen Curry in the men’s NBA.

Clark’s incredible offensive skillset has led Iowa to a national championship contender status, and her numerous individual accolades at the college level, including multiple NCAA All-American selections, have cemented her status as one of the most exciting prospects in women’s college basketball. She has shown the ability to play both on and off the ball, which could make her an ideal complement to Plum in a backcourt pairing.

While Clark is often known for her scoring, she also possesses impressive playmaking abilities, with a career average of over 7 assists per game in college. Clark’s high basketball IQ and leadership would mesh well with a player like Plum, who is adept at creating her own shots and facilitating for others. Together, they would have the potential to be one of the most explosive and dynamic duos the league has ever seen.

What Makes This Duo Potentially Unstoppable

The combination of Plum’s scoring ability and Clark’s shooting range and playmaking would create matchup nightmares for opposing defenses. Plum’s ability to drive to the rim and finish with either hand would stretch defenses, while Clark’s outside shooting could force defenders to chase her off the three-point line, opening up opportunities for Plum to either score or dish out to open teammates.

Additionally, both players have proven their ability to handle the ball and facilitate offense. Plum has developed a more well-rounded skill set, becoming a threat to distribute the ball just as much as she is to score. Clark, meanwhile, has averaged 7 assists per game and is capable of creating her own shot in addition to setting up her teammates for easy looks. Their synergy in the backcourt could allow the Fever to have one of the most versatile offensive attacks in the league.

The defensive capabilities of the duo would also be interesting. While neither Plum nor Clark is necessarily known for their lockdown defense, both have the size, athleticism, and tenacity to be effective on that end. With Plum at 5’8″ and Clark at 6’0″, the two would be able to switch defensively and contest shots, and with their basketball IQ, they could excel in trapping situations or switching on pick-and-roll plays.

Overall, the idea of pairing two of the most exciting offensive players in women’s basketball is tantalizing, and it could give the Fever an offense that rivals any in the league.

Feasibility of Acquiring Kelsey Plum: What Would It Take?

While the theoretical pairing of Plum and Clark is enticing, the reality of putting it together is much more complex. Kelsey Plum is currently signed with the Las Vegas Aces, a team that just won the WNBA Championship in 2022 and is one of the most successful franchises in the league. Plum, as one of the Aces’ top players, is an integral part of their success. Therefore, acquiring her from a team that is already built to win a title would likely be difficult unless there were some significant shifts in the Aces’ roster or salary cap situation.

Additionally, Caitlin Clark is still in college, and her rights are tied to whichever team selects her in the WNBA Draft. As such, the Fever would need to win the lottery or be in a favorable draft position to secure Clark’s rights. Given the team’s current trajectory and the potential for Clark to be the No. 1 overall pick, the Fever would have a good chance of selecting her, assuming they can maintain their competitive rebuild.

In terms of salary cap implications, the Fever would also need to balance the financial commitment of bringing in a player of Plum’s caliber. Given that Plum is one of the highest-paid players in the league, the Fever would need to ensure they have the cap space to sign her to a deal while still building around their young core. It could involve some creative cap management, but for a team aiming to contend for a championship, it would be worth exploring.

Lastly, team chemistry and fit would also need to be considered. The Fever would have to assess how Plum would integrate with their existing roster and whether they would need to make additional moves to solidify their depth. Pairing Plum and Clark would also require the team to build around them, ensuring that they have sufficient support in the frontcourt and on the defensive end.

Would It Make the Fever a Championship Contender?

If the Indiana Fever were able to land both Kelsey Plum and Caitlin Clark, it could undeniably elevate their chances of becoming a championship contender. Adding a proven scorer and leader like Plum to pair with a dynamic, elite talent like Clark would undoubtedly give the Fever one of the most dangerous backcourts in the league. However, there are other factors to consider.

The Fever would need to build a team that can complement this backcourt duo. As much as offensive firepower would be important, defense and rebounding would also be crucial to their success. The Fever would need to strengthen their frontcourt with players who can anchor the defense and protect the rim. Players like NaLyssa Smith, Queen Egbo, and other supporting cast members would need to step up in order to create a well-rounded roster that could challenge the league’s elite teams like the Las Vegas Aces and the Connecticut Sun.

The Fever have the potential to build a team capable of contending, but pairing Plum and Clark would require significant roster adjustments, salary cap management, and a strategic focus on team chemistry. If done right, this dynamic duo could help the Fever become one of the most formidable teams in the WNBA, both now and in the future.