INDIANAPOLIS — Kelly Krauskopf, returning president of Indiana Fever basketball operations, outlined her immediate plans for the Fever during an introductory (re)news conference Tuesday, touching on topics ranging from re-signing of players to what the team needs to succeed.
Krauskopf, who served as president and CEO of Fever from 2000 to 2018, I came back to fever after serving as assistant general manager of the Pacers for six years. She takes over at an opportune time for the Fever – they went 20-20 for their first .500 or better record and playoff berth since 2016.
Today, Krauskopf wants to improve further.
She and Amber Cox, new CEO of Fever will be involved in player signings and discussions with agents this offseason. One of those priority players is Kelsey Mitchell, who is a core eligible unrestricted free agent following the 2024 season.
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Will Kelsey Mitchell return to Indiana Fever?
Kelsey Mitchell is technically a UFA this offseason after completing a three-year deal with the Fever. But as an outgoing free agent, she is eligible to be cut, which gives Mitchell a one-year supermax contract in exchange for exclusive negotiating rights.
Mitchell has been a staple for Indiana since she was drafted in 2018. Krauskopf, in her final year with the Fever before joining the Pacers, was part of its draft process.
“Pokey Chatman was our coach and general manager. I went to see Kelsey play with USA Basketball in Santa Barbara during one of their training camps,” Krauskopf said. “And I called Pokey and said, ‘I’m watching our draft pick right now. She’s going to be a star, this player. She’s going to be a dynamic guard for us for years to come.’ So, we wouldn’t be where we are today without Kelsey Mitchell, I mean, she’s definitely a fundamental piece.”
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Seven years later, Mitchell is a two-time All-Star and has led the Fever in scoring in all but two of his seasons in an Indiana uniform.
With the fever rising, Krauskopf wants her to be part of the “Big 3”, alongside Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark.
“She is extremely important to the success of our future,” Krauskopf said. “We plan to have a lot of conversations and make sure she knows it, but I think she knows it.”
NaLyssa Smith Status with Indiana Fever
Krauskopf knows how Fever forward NaLyssa Smith feels about how her season is going. Drafted No. 2 in 2022, Smith saw her role decline with a decrease in minutes, shots and rebounds.
Temi Fagbenle replaced Smith in the starting lineup on points and Smith spoke about his lack of use on social media and during his exit interview, saying this It wasn’t how she expected her third season in the league to go.
This is normal for every team, Krauskopf said.
“I think there are always players who probably finish a season and wish it had gone better for them, or have different views,” Krauskopf said.
Smith is still under contract with the Fever through the 2025 season, as Indiana picked up his fourth-year rookie contract team option. Still, the Fever have the option to part ways with Smith if that’s what either party desires. Indiana could trade her, leave her unprotected in the expansion draft for Golden State to choose, or accept a buyout.
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For now, Krauskopf isn’t sure about any of those options.
“I’m not going to tell you that I know exactly what his future is going to look like,” Krauskopf said. “She’s a part of our team right now, and she’s an important part of the team, so she’s a tremendous talent. She’s been a big part of how the team got to where it got to This year obviously I haven’t seen every game, but listen, we’re going to evaluate everything and have, you know, those kinds of discussions with her and her agent. But I’ve done this long enough and not every player. are not satisfied in the end.
Where Kelly Krauskopf thinks Indiana Fever needs to improve
A 20-win season for the first time is no reason to balk, especially for a team that won just five games two years ago. Now, Krauskopf and the Fever are aiming for a top 4 finish in the league.
They will need a few additions to make this happen.
How Fever could improve in 2025: Keep Kelsey Mitchell, find depth, a consistent 4
Krauskopf has experience building a team around a superstar; she did it with Fever legend Tamika Catchings, Indiana’s only MVP in franchise history, to win the 2012 WNBA championship. Now, with Caitlin Clark on the same trajectory, she wishes again build a champion team. And it starts with experience.
“I think this team needs a little more experience, probably a little more size,” Krauskopf said. “If you look at the teams that are in the playoffs right now (New York, Minnesota, Connecticut), they are full of players that have been in the playoffs.”
Follow IndyStar Fever insider Chloe Peterson on X at @chloepeterson67.
This article was originally published on the Indianapolis Star: Fever President Talks Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith, Needed Additions
