Indiana Fever are ready to win now. DeWanna Bonner will show them how.

The Indiana Fever, one of the more storied franchises in the WNBA, have long faced challenges, but the 2025 season marks a turning point in their history. With a strong core of young talent, a renewed focus on team development, and an infusion of experience from seasoned veterans, the Fever are ready to contend. Among those veterans is DeWanna Bonner, one of the league’s most accomplished and respected players. Her leadership, skill, and resilience will be key in helping the Fever rise to prominence in the competitive landscape of the WNBA.

Bonner, a two-time WNBA champion and two-time All-Star, has proven herself over the course of a remarkable career. After spending several successful years with the Phoenix Mercury, including championship wins and individual accolades, Bonner made her move to Indiana, a franchise that has long been in need of a player of her caliber. As the Fever look to re-establish themselves as a powerhouse in the league, Bonner’s presence on and off the court will be invaluable in their quest for success.

In this piece, we will explore how the Indiana Fever, a team with promising potential, are poised to return to championship contention. We will also delve into Bonner’s role in helping the team achieve this goal, examining her leadership qualities, her fit within the Fever’s system, and how her experience can serve as a guiding force for Indiana’s younger players.

The Indiana Fever’s Rebuild: A Team Ready to Contend

The Indiana Fever are no strangers to success. The franchise has had a rich history in the WNBA, with multiple playoff appearances and a championship in 2012. However, in recent years, the team has gone through a rebuilding phase, aiming to develop a new foundation for future success. This journey has been challenging but has also yielded promising young talent that now forms the core of the Fever’s roster.

Players like NaLyssa Smith and Queen Egbo represent the bright future of the franchise. Smith, a dynamic forward, has quickly become one of the league’s rising stars. Her ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor gives the Fever a versatile piece to build around for years to come. Similarly, Egbo, a tenacious rebounder and physical presence in the paint, has the potential to be a key contributor in Indiana’s frontcourt.

The Fever’s young players have made strides, but what they need now is direction. They need a seasoned leader who can guide them, set the tone, and push them to compete at the highest level. Enter DeWanna Bonner, whose experience, skill set, and basketball IQ make her the ideal leader for this rejuvenated Indiana roster.

DeWanna Bonner: A Player of Unmatched Experience and Versatility

Bonner’s arrival in Indiana brings a wealth of experience, something the Fever sorely need. Over her long career, Bonner has made a significant impact in the WNBA. A standout at Auburn University, she was drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2009 and quickly became one of the league’s most feared players. Her accolades are numerous: two WNBA championships, two All-Star selections, and multiple All-WNBA team honors. Bonner’s long-standing success with the Mercury has made her one of the league’s most respected and accomplished veterans.

But beyond her individual achievements, Bonner is a player who understands the nuances of winning basketball. She has been part of championship teams and knows exactly what it takes to reach the pinnacle of success. This experience is what the Fever need as they aim to make the leap from rebuilding to title contender. Bonner brings an invaluable level of maturity and leadership to a young team, and her presence on the floor can elevate everyone around her.

As a player, Bonner is incredibly versatile. Standing at 6’4”, she is capable of playing multiple positions, from small forward to shooting guard, giving head coach Carlos Knox a flexible asset. Her ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting, combined with her strength and athleticism, allows her to contribute in a variety of ways. She can score from anywhere on the court, whether it’s driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers. In addition to her scoring ability, Bonner is a strong rebounder, an excellent passer, and a capable defender, making her a well-rounded asset for the Fever.

Bonner’s leadership also goes beyond the basketball court. She has a reputation for being a mentor to younger players, helping them develop not only their on-court skills but also their mental toughness. Her experience of winning championships in Phoenix can be an invaluable resource for the Fever, as they look to build a winning culture in Indiana.

The Impact of Bonner on Indiana’s Young Players

As the Fever’s young players continue to develop, DeWanna Bonner’s leadership will be crucial in helping them realize their potential. Players like Smith and Egbo will benefit from her knowledge of the game and her experience in high-pressure situations. Bonner’s work ethic and mentality are contagious, and her commitment to excellence will rub off on her teammates.

NaLyssa Smith, the Fever’s 2022 No. 2 overall pick, has already shown flashes of brilliance in her first seasons in the league. With Bonner by her side, Smith can further refine her skills, particularly in the areas of leadership and decision-making. Bonner’s guidance will help Smith become more consistent, develop a stronger mental game, and learn how to thrive in clutch moments. Smith has the potential to be a future star for the Fever, and Bonner will play a pivotal role in helping her get there.

Similarly, Queen Egbo’s growth will benefit greatly from Bonner’s presence. Egbo is still working to develop a more well-rounded offensive game, but with Bonner’s leadership, she can learn how to become a more complete player. Bonner’s ability to communicate, elevate her teammates, and make them feel confident will be essential in helping players like Egbo reach their full potential.

It’s also worth noting that Bonner’s leadership extends beyond just the core players. The Fever have a number of other promising talents, and Bonner’s influence will be felt by everyone on the roster. Whether it’s showing younger players how to carry themselves on and off the court or sharing her knowledge during practice, Bonner will be the glue that holds the team together and the catalyst for their growth.

Fever’s Style of Play: Bonner’s Role as the Catalyst

The Indiana Fever’s style of play under coach Carlos Knox is one that emphasizes ball movement, defensive intensity, and unselfishness. Knox has made it clear that the Fever will play an uptempo style, focusing on getting out in transition and using their speed and athleticism to their advantage. This is where Bonner’s versatility becomes especially valuable.

Bonner has the ability to impact the game in multiple facets, making her a perfect fit for Knox’s system. Her ability to stretch the floor as a shooter will allow the Fever to space the floor and create opportunities for their young stars to operate. Additionally, her size and skill set make her a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders, especially in transition, where she can use her strength and speed to finish in transition or set up her teammates.

Bonner’s leadership will also help in terms of setting the tone on the defensive end. While the Fever have made strides in terms of defensive efficiency, they are still in the process of building a top-tier defense. Bonner, a player known for her competitiveness and attention to detail, will be key in establishing a defensive mentality for the team. She has the ability to guard multiple positions, and her length and athleticism make her a disruptive force on the perimeter and in the paint.

The combination of Bonner’s leadership and the Fever’s emerging talent gives Indiana a unique advantage. They are a team built on potential, and Bonner’s experience and work ethic will help push them over the top as they contend with some of the league’s most talented teams.

Looking Toward the Future: A Championship Window Opens for the Fever

The 2025 season marks the beginning of a new era for the Indiana Fever. With a young, talented roster and the leadership of DeWanna Bonner, the team is well-positioned to contend for championships in the near future. While their journey to the top may take time, the foundation has been set, and the Fever are primed for success.

Bonner’s influence on the Fever’s younger players, combined with her leadership and versatility on the court, will be instrumental in helping Indiana reach its potential. The team is ready to win now, and Bonner is the perfect player to show them how.

As the season progresses, expect to see a Fever team that plays with purpose, intensity, and a championship mindset. With DeWanna Bonner leading the way, the Indiana Fever are poised to become a dominant force in the WNBA for years to come.