Fever GM tries to justify roster mismanagement that left Caitlin Clark without a valuable backup
The team’s management took a risky gambit with the team’s future at stake.
Caitlin Clark will miss one of the Fever’s most valuable substitutes.
Indiana Fever General Manager Amber Cox has come forward to defend the team’s controversial decision to leave backup center Temi Fagbenle unprotected in the WNBA Expansion Draft, a move that has left fans reeling.
Fagbenle, a crucial contributor to the Fever’s success last season, was swiftly snapped up by the league’s newest team, the Golden State Valkyries, sparking outrage among the Fever faithful.
In a recent appearance on the “In Case You Missed It” podcast with Khristina Williams, Cox addressed the backlash, explaining the rationale behind the team’s contentious move.
“It’s really part of an overall plan, which, hopefully, everyone will see unfold throughout the offseason,” Cox stated. “These decisions are never easy, but they’re made with a long-term vision in mind.”
Fans await results
Cox’s comments did little to soothe frustrated fans, who see the loss of Fagbenle as a significant blow. Known for her consistency and defensive prowess, Fagbenle was viewed as an integral piece of the Fever’s puzzle as they aim to climb back to WNBA prominence.
While Cox promised that more moves are on the horizon, the pressure is mounting. The Fever face a pivotal offseason, with the future of two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell hanging in the balance.
Mitchell, who averaged 19.2 points per game last season alongside rising star Caitlin Clark, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in January. Losing Mitchell would be a devastating setback for a team already reeling from Fagbenle’s departure.
Free agency will be complicated for the Fever
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Fans are also curious about how the Fever plan to navigate the WNBA free agency period, which Cox hinted will be critical to their strategy. “We understand the passion of our fans and their connection to our players,” Cox added. “We’re committed to building a roster that can compete at the highest level.”
The Fever’s offseason decisions will be closely scrutinized as supporters anxiously await the next chapter in the team’s journey. For now, though, Cox’s call to “trust the process” faces a tough sell to a fanbase hungry for answers-and results.
Angel Reese’s Native origins explained by father Michael Reese
Reese is one of the most marketable players in the WNBA
Angel ReeseLAPRESSE
Angel Reese, a WNBA star for the Chicago Sky, stands at the intersection of talent and legacy. Growing up in Baltimore, she inherited a deep basketball tradition from her parents, Angel Webb and Michael Reese.
While her journey to the professional stage reflects her skills, it also highlights the influence of her family and the lessons she’s learned along the way.
Basketball is in Reese’s blood
Basketball was more than a pastime for the Reese family-it was a way of life. Both Angel Webb and Michael Reese played college basketball, setting the stage for their daughter’s athletic career.
Reese, however, credits her mother for raising her and her younger brother, Julian, as a single parent after her parents separated when she was young.
Despite a distant relationship with her father, Reese acknowledges the influence of his side of the family. In a recent TikTok live, she shared a personal detail about her heritage, revealing her grandmother’s Native American roots.
“My dad and my grandma said it’s actually Indian…she’s part-, half-, something Indian,” Reese explained.
While Reese wasn’t close to her father, her maternal grandparents, Curtis and Barbara Webb, played a pivotal role in her upbringing. Her grandmother’s advice helped Reese embrace her uniqueness, especially during moments of insecurity.
“You stand out for a reason,” Barbara reminded her when she felt awkward about being the tallest girl in class.
Interestingly, Michael Reese echoed similar wisdom in The Baltimore Sun.
“When you wear your emotions on your sleeve, you leave yourself open to all kinds of stuff,” Reese told The Baltimore Sun.
Though Michael’s basketball aspirations didn’t pan out as hoped, he recognized the importance of channeling passion into productive outlets-an ethos Reese seems to embody in her career.
