Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever are coming off a magical 2024 season. Before the Clark Era began, Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston (2023 No. 1 overall pick) were trying to carry the weight of a struggling franchise.
The Fever won the 2012 WNBA Title with superstar Tamika Catchings leading the way, but only had one more playoff appearance (2016) in the 12 following years.
In the eight years since their last playoff appearance, the Fever compiled a 58-174 overall record and underwent four coaching changes. The Fever selected Aliyah Boston with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft.
The Fever still had an abysmal 13-27 record and received the 2024 No. 1 overall pick. The stars aligned, and they selected Iowa superstar Caitlin Clark.
Clark set the WNBA from the minute she stepped on the court. She was named Rookie of the Month four times, Eastern Conference Player of the Week three times, and the August Eastern Conference Player of the Month.
She guided the Fever to a 20-20 regular season record and their first playoff appearance since 2016. Following their loss to the Connecticut Sun in the first round, Clark was named the 2024 Rookie of the Year.
After a brilliant season for Clark and the Fever, the expectations are higher heading into year two.
According to Bet MGM, Clark has the best odds (plus 195) to take home the 2025 WNBA MVP, ahead of 2024 MVP A'ja Wilson and All-WNBA First Team selections Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Clark received 52 of 67 first place votes from a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. We assume the five that did not vote for Clark and members of the Chicago or New York media (it is a joke, but seriously).
During her sensational rookie season, Clark led all rookies in points per game (19.5), made field goals (242), made three-point field goals (122), free-throw percentage (90.6 percent), assists per game (8.4), and steals per game (1.3).
If Clark can push the Fever towards contention and a deep playoff run, she should be the easy choice for WNBA MVP.