Some Indiana Fever fans have criticized coach Stephanie White’s decision to play Caitlin Clark off-ball in the 2026 season. Clark and White have both addressed the strategy for their upcoming season, giving their views on why Clark must play off-ball.
Speaking after team practice on Tuesday, Clark addressed the media, further sharing her views on why she must play off-ball.
“We don’t want to be predictable in what we do,” Clark said. “It’s difficult bringing the ball up 94 feet, but if my teammate is standing there not being guarded, why wouldn’t I just pass them the ball? That’s just unselfish play to me.”
Clark continued, addressing how teams might respond to the Fever’s offense:
“They’re going to know what we want to do. You gotta get creative and make it difficult. You can’t do the same thing every single time down the floor.”
While Caitlin Clark’s comments suggest that she is aligned with coach Stephanie White’s strategy, fans reacted critically on social media.
“That’s bulls*** and she knows it… get Steph White out,” one fan said.
“Fans are not buying the narrative. A couple of victories, some exciting plays and good stats for CC and they may start to thaw out,” another fan said.
“CC’s problem is that she’s too nice and we’ll do and say anything to not have a conflict,” one fan wrote.
“At this point, just see how the games go. Everyone thinking CC not touching the ball since she is off-ball. lol She’s gonna get hers and continue to get everyone the ball,” another fan wrote.
“Total BS. Caitlin wants the ball every time. Coach White’s ego cannot handle that,” a fan commented.
Which Indiana Fever player will step into Caitlin Clark’s ball-handling duties?
With Caitlin Clark embracing more of an off-ball role, guard Kelsey Mitchell is expected to take on more ball-handling duties for the Fever.
She was the team’s leading scorer last season after Clark was limited to just 13 games, averaging 20.2 points and 3.4 assists per game.
Forward Aliyah Boston also brought up the ball many times last season as Indiana was ravaged by injuries. Stephanie White also addressed Raven Johnson’s role, citing her versatility.
“Raven is a point guard that primarily has had the ball in her hands,” White said after the 2026 WNBA draft. “So, I think it gives us some versatility. … I think it’ll give us a lot of different ways that we can play.”
With 11 guards on its roster, Indiana should have no shortage of ball-handlers. The Fever will start the 2026 WNBA season against the Dallas Wings on Friday.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
