Caitlin Clark’s arrival to the Indiana Fever forced severe adjustments to the team’s lineup, relegating star players to secondary roles. One of these players, NaLyssa Smith, is experiencing a resurgence that will make the management rethink its hiring strategy for the upcoming free agency.
Until a couple of years ago, Smith was an undisputed starter in head coach Christie Sides’ lineup. In her first two years in the WNBA, Smith averaged 29.6 minutes, 14.5 points, 1.4 assists, and 8.6 rebounds per game.
In 2024, her production plummeted to just 24.8 minutes of activity, 10.6 points, one assist, and 7.1 rebounds per game. The noticeable drop in her production had analysts and fans thinking that Smith was on the verge of leaving the team. However, her recent performances in China have drastically changed the outlook.
Smith shines in the WCBA
Like many players, NaLyssa Smith looks to stay active by migrating to leagues overseas during the WNBA’s long hiatus. Last year, the Fever forward played for Galatasaray, and this year she decided to try her luck in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA).
On Thursday, the Fever posted a photo of Smith and Kelsey Mitchell with a message saying, “Kelsey Mitchell and the Shanxi Flame took the dub: 24 PTS | 7 REB | 4 AST | 2 STL. NaLyssa Smith got the double-double with the Zhejiang Golden Bulls: 25 PTS | 10 REB | 3 STL | 2 AST.”
The post sparked a flurry of speculation about the future of both players with the Fever, especially Smith. After rumors of a possible transfer in the upcoming free agency, her numbers with the Golden Bulls could force management to reexamine her case and, perhaps, extend her contract.
NaLyssa doesn’t feel the Love from the fever
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Shortly after the regular season ended, Smith surprised media and fans by erasing the Fever from her bio on X. However, after the departure of Sides and the arrival of Stephanie White at the helm, the forward once again included the team in her bio.
Speculation returned recently when Smith posted on X, “life is all about knowin’ yo worth, don’t stay nowhere u not wanted n appreciated.” Perhaps her performance in China will make the team appreciate her again and, who knows, maybe we’ll see her in the blue, red, and gold of the Fever in 2025.
PHOTO: Everyone Noticed The Same Thing About Luigi Mangione’s Mugshot Following His Arrest In Connection To The Death Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson
Luigi Mangione (Photo via LinkedIn)
Everyone noticed the same thing about Luigi Mangione’s mugshot after a photo went into circulation on social media this week.
The Ivy League graduate was cornered by police after being recognized by a McDonald’s employee at one of their restaurants in Altoona, Pennsylvania, on Monday and was reportedly found with a ghost g-n, several fake IDs, as well as a manifesto detailing his problems with corporate America and the healthcare industry.
According to sources, he has since been charged with m-rder in New York and firearms and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania.
Luigi Mangione’s supposed mugshot surfaced on X on Monday night. You can see it right below:
