Caitlin Clark’s injury absence changes the competitive landscape for Team USA and gives someone an unexpected advantage.
Kelsey Mitchell has emerged as the primary defensive option against top guards like Paige Bueckers now that Clark is out for the offseason recovering from injuries.
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Analyst Sabreena Merchant made a surprising comment on the guard hierarchy during recent evaluations. Merchant said: “I think right now I would definitely put Jackie Young, Chelsea Gray and Kelsey Mitchell ahead of her just because her size gives her so much advantage over a player like Kelsey Plum.” Merchant said something about Paige Bueckers being one of the best guards. This ranking was based on Mitchell’s excellent play during the 2025 WNBA season, where she averaged 20.2 points, 1.8 rebounds and 3.4 assists. This has made her one of the most reliable scorers in the league and a consistent force for the Indiana Fever.
Mitchell’s rise in the conversation is directly related to his performance during a difficult season. THE Fever had a lot of injuries that ended their seasonlike Caitlin Clark’s left quad strain and groin issues that kept her from playing more than 13 games, where she averaged 16.5 points and 8.8 assists per game. Mitchell was in charge. She was a veteran leader who kept the team stable and showed she could help her teammates when things got tough. This experience made her a defensive threat to the players.
Merchant put Bueckers in context of this competitive landscape by talking about what she’s seen in multiplayer formats. Merchant said: “One thing I will point out about Paige Bueckers when she was at Team USA camp with Kelsey Plum, Caitlin Clark, Jackie Young, the best of the best, Chelsea Gray, she looked as good as anyone,” Bueckers has since officially joined the senior national team for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup qualifying tournament.
As Clark improves, Mitchell’s path becomes more and more important to the Fever’s future. She is a key player for Indiana moving forward because she is consistent and has shown she can compete with the best. This is particularly important as the WNBA prepares to negotiate collective bargaining agreements that could change the structure of the league.
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Kelsey Mitchell and the Indiana Fever face a crucial decision regarding the future
This is the real story of whether Kelsey Mitchell will stay in Indiana or seek new opportunities elsewhere. The WNBA is currently working on a new agreement. Once that is done, free agency will begin. Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are two brand new teams ready to spend big money and sign top players. Mitchell may have a choice, but one thing is clear. The fever really wants it back.
Credit: IMAGO
When injuries hit the Fever hard in 2025, Mitchell stepped in and became their rock. She plays for Hive BC at Unrivaled with stars like Sonia Citron, Ezi Magbegor and Azura Stevens, and she continues to show why she is one of the best leaders in the league.
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The Indiana Fever will be eager to re-sign her. She is coming off her best season in eight years with the franchise, scoring 20.2 points per game, shooting 39.4% from three and being named to the All-WNBA first team and MVP.
