Top 3 Players the Indiana Fever Should Target After Kristy Wallace’s Sudden Decision Opens Up Spot

The Indiana Fever have been undergoing a period of rebuilding, aiming to reestablish themselves as a competitive force in the WNBA. With a young and promising roster that includes standout players like NaLyssa Smith, Kelsey Mitchell, and Tiffany Mitchell, the team is looking to grow and develop in the coming years. However, a recent development has given the Fever an unexpected opportunity to make a strategic move.

Kristy Wallace, a key player for the Fever, made the sudden decision to step away from the team for the 2025 season, leaving a significant void in the roster. Wallace, known for her defensive prowess and leadership, was a vital part of the Fever’s backcourt rotation. Her decision opens up a roster spot that could be utilized to bring in a new player who can help strengthen the team’s chances of future success. With this in mind, the Fever’s front office must act swiftly and decisively to ensure they make the most of this opportunity.

In this article, we will explore the top three players the Indiana Fever should target in the wake of Kristy Wallace’s departure. The players considered will bring different skill sets to the team, providing valuable contributions both on and off the court. These potential acquisitions could help the Fever solidify their roster, provide additional depth, and continue their quest for a more competitive future.

1. Jordan Canada – Point Guard, Los Angeles Sparks

Jordan Canada, currently playing for the Los Angeles Sparks, is one of the most dynamic and aggressive point guards in the WNBA. Known for her tenacious defense, leadership on the court, and exceptional basketball IQ, Canada could be an excellent fit for the Indiana Fever as they look to add depth to their backcourt following Wallace’s departure.

Why Canada Is a Strong Fit for the Fever:

Canada is a defensive powerhouse, renowned for her ability to disrupt opposing offenses. As a point guard, she has the ability to shut down opposing ball handlers, which could be an invaluable asset to the Fever, who are looking to build a more consistent defense. Her aggressive approach on defense would complement the Fever’s young roster, particularly their emerging talents like NaLyssa Smith and Kelsey Mitchell, who could benefit from having a lockdown defender in the backcourt to take pressure off them.

In addition to her defensive skills, Canada is a solid playmaker who excels at running the floor and distributing the basketball. As a point guard, her ability to create plays for others and drive the offense would help to facilitate scoring opportunities for the Fever’s offensive weapons. This is particularly important for a team like the Fever, which has a number of young players who need a seasoned floor general to set them up for success. Canada’s court vision and ability to find open teammates would help improve the offensive flow of the Fever, who are looking to improve their overall team chemistry.

Canada’s experience in the league also adds valuable leadership qualities. Having spent several years with the Sparks, she brings a wealth of knowledge and poise to the table, which could be instrumental in guiding the Fever’s young backcourt players like Kelsey Mitchell and Emily Engstler. Her leadership would provide both on and off-the-court stability, helping the team through difficult stretches and fostering growth for the younger players.

What Canada Brings to the Table:

• Elite Defense: Canada is one of the WNBA’s top defenders, known for her ability to lock down opposing point guards and disrupt passing lanes.
• Playmaking Ability: Her vision and ability to distribute the ball would help the Fever’s offense run more smoothly and provide scoring opportunities for the team’s younger players.
• Leadership: With multiple seasons of WNBA experience, Canada could offer valuable mentorship to the Fever’s developing players and provide the team with veteran presence.

Canada would be a perfect fit for the Fever’s current needs, adding a much-needed veteran presence and bolstering their backcourt defensively. If the Fever could land Canada, they would instantly improve in both defense and playmaking.

2. Brianna Turner – Forward, Phoenix Mercury

Brianna Turner, a versatile forward currently with the Phoenix Mercury, is another player the Indiana Fever should target in the aftermath of Kristy Wallace’s decision. Turner is one of the best defensive players in the WNBA, with a reputation for her ability to guard multiple positions and provide an impact on both ends of the floor. Given the Fever’s need for defensive reinforcement and a more complete player on the wing, Turner could be a game-changer for the team.

Why Turner Is a Strong Fit for the Fever:

Turner is known for her shot-blocking ability and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in blocks. She would provide immediate help to the Fever’s defense, particularly in the paint. While the team has some talented players like NaLyssa Smith who can score efficiently, the Fever’s defense has been inconsistent over the past few seasons. Turner’s ability to protect the rim and disrupt opposing offenses would give the Fever a much-needed defensive presence in the frontcourt.

In addition to her shot-blocking ability, Turner is a skilled rebounder who can help clean up the glass, particularly on the defensive end. Her ability to rebound and start the fast break would fit well with the Fever’s overall strategy of playing fast-paced basketball. Turner’s presence would give the Fever more rebounding consistency, helping them to control the tempo of the game and limit second-chance opportunities for opposing teams.

Offensively, Turner may not be known for her scoring, but she’s capable of scoring efficiently in the paint and finishing around the basket. She’s also an improving mid-range shooter, which gives her the ability to stretch the floor. Her offensive game complements the Fever’s young scorers, particularly NaLyssa Smith, who has the ability to play both inside and out.

Turner’s ability to contribute on both ends of the court, along with her experience and leadership, would make her a valuable addition to the Fever roster. Having her alongside NaLyssa Smith would give the Fever a strong and dynamic forward duo that could make the team more competitive in the frontcourt.

What Turner Brings to the Table:

• Defensive Prowess: Turner is a dominant shot-blocker and defender, able to guard multiple positions and provide a presence in the paint.
• Rebounding: She’s a strong rebounder, capable of grabbing boards on both ends of the floor and starting the transition game.
• Leadership and Versatility: Turner brings significant experience to the table, along with the ability to play in different frontcourt positions. Her versatility allows her to fit into various lineup configurations, which gives the Fever flexibility in how they approach different matchups.

If the Fever are serious about improving their defense and establishing a more dynamic forward rotation, Brianna Turner is an ideal target. Her presence would solidify the team’s defense while providing leadership and versatility in the frontcourt.

3. Te’a Cooper – Guard, Free Agent

Te’a Cooper, a talented and explosive guard, has been a fan favorite due to her dynamic scoring ability and fearless playing style. As a free agent, Cooper presents a unique opportunity for the Fever, as she’s a player capable of filling the offensive void left by Kristy Wallace. Her scoring ability and versatility would complement Kelsey Mitchell and NaLyssa Smith, further solidifying the Fever’s backcourt and adding depth to their offense.

Why Cooper Is a Strong Fit for the Fever:

Cooper is known for her ability to score in a variety of ways. Whether it’s her sharp shooting from the outside or her ability to drive to the basket, Cooper is a versatile scorer who can make an impact on all three levels of the game. In a Fever backcourt that already includes the talented Kelsey Mitchell, Cooper’s addition would create a dynamic duo capable of putting pressure on opposing defenses. Both Mitchell and Cooper have the potential to light up the scoreboard and create scoring opportunities for each other.

In addition to her scoring, Cooper is a capable playmaker who can facilitate the offense and get teammates involved. While her primary strength is her ability to score, she has also shown growth in her court vision and ability to create for others. This playmaking ability would be beneficial for the Fever, who have young players such as Emily Engstler and NaLyssa Smith who can benefit from having a guard who can deliver the ball to them in scoring positions.

Cooper’s energy and intensity would also fit in well with the Fever’s up-tempo playing style. Her relentless motor and ability to change the pace of the game would add an exciting dimension to the team’s offense.

What Cooper Brings to the Table:

• Scoring Versatility: Cooper is capable of scoring in various ways, both from the outside and in the paint. Her ability to create her own shot would provide the Fever with another offensive weapon.
• Playmaking: While Cooper is a scoring guard, she also has the vision to create for her teammates and set up plays for others.
• High Energy: Cooper plays with a relentless energy, which would inject a fresh dynamic into the Fever’s backcourt and provide an exciting brand of basketball.

As a free agent, Cooper could be a more affordable option for the Fever, giving them the ability to add scoring depth without overcommitting financially. If the Fever are looking to add a spark to their offense, Te’a Cooper would be an excellent choice.

Kristy Wallace’s sudden decision to sit out the 2025 season has opened up a valuable roster spot for the Indiana Fever, providing them with the flexibility to make strategic moves and further solidify their team. By targeting players like Jordan Canada, Brianna Turner, and Te’a Cooper, the Fever can address several areas of need, including defense, leadership, and offensive depth. These potential acquisitions would help balance the Fever’s roster, providing veteran presence and energy alongside their emerging young stars. The future remains bright for the Indiana Fever, and with the right moves, they could be positioned for a strong and competitive 2025 season.