Imago
Credits: Imagn
Imago
Credits: Imagn
Sheryl Swoopes herself cannot deny that her commentary has been a hot topic ever since the 2024 WNBA season started. Now, as the year draws to a close, she’s once again focusing on the Indiana Fever. However, it’s not about Caitlin Clark this time around as she’s targeting someone she hadn’t previously mentioned: Fever guard, Kelsey Mitchell, or former Fever guard as she’s an unrestricted free agent now.
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During the November 6th episode of her podcast ‘Level to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby’, she said, “Personally, here’s where I think [the Fever] didn’t do a very good job, and that was with Kelsey Mitchell, who’s an unrestricted free agent.” The Fever’s relationship with Mitchell dates back to 2018, when Indianapolis selected her as the second overall pick.
Her six years with the Indiana Fever are notable in franchise history. Despite the arrival of No.1 picks in back-to-back seasons, Mitchell has held her ground and led the team in scoring in both seasons (she was tied with Caitlin Clark with 19.2 PPG this year). Her 233 games are the third-most in Fever history. Yet, this current season has been Mitchell’s standout year.
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That’s why Swoopes feels the Fever made a substantial error in handling Mitchell’s role. Swoopes believes that Mitchell should not only have been given credit, but becoming an unrestricted free agent is a sign of the franchise handling the situation poorly. “Kelsey Mitchell had a hell of a season this year, and I don’t think she got the credit she deserved… But you said it, there was so much [Sides] had to deal with and manage—not just Caitlin, but Kelsey, NaLyssa, and Wheeler,” she added.
As soon as her words aired, they attracted attention worldwide, with fans diving into the comment sections on social media.
Another Sheryl Swoopes take that has faced backlash
Despite a rollercoaster season that started with a 3-10 record and five consecutive losses, the team fought back, and Mitchell, alongside Clark, led the way with an impressive 19.2 points per game, which was also her career-high. That’s why fans are fuming. “Didn’t get the credit she deserved??? This woman is all sorts of delusional,” wrote a fan on X.
Of course our girl Sheryl Swoopes trying everything in her power to dissuade Kelsey Mitchell from re-signing with the Fever.
Article Here: https://t.co/izF4gbgdEJ pic.twitter.com/WpFb6tDuLX
— Ken Swift (@kenswift) November 8, 2024
The Indiana Fever guard currently ranks second in all-time points for the Fever with 3,923, trailing only Tamika Catchings. She’s also fourth in all-time assists with 649. Recognizing her talent, then-head coach Christie Sides called her a “Hall of Fame” level player and a “staple” of the franchise.
“I think she’s worried the Fever are gonna be very good and is trying to cause division,” added another fan. Mitchell herself has called Indy her “home” in a press conference, which is why fans feel Swoopes may be stirring things up with the Fever. “She’s always trying to stir things with the Fever,” commented another user. Swoopes has been a known critic of the Fever and especially Caitlin Clark. Fans are aware of that and take anything that comes from her with a grain of salt.
Another fan pointed out how Swoopes herself claimed that Mitchell didn’t deserve to be an All-Star this year but is now saying she didn’t get enough credit.
But not everyone disagreed. Some felt that the Fever guard’s consistent playmaking and court dominance should have been highlighted more. “She’s 100% right, though. KM had a great season, and nobody is really talking about it,” one spectator agreed with Swoopes.
Whether correct or not, the fact remains: it may not matter now. According to Mitchell’s latest update, she intends to be more “selfish” this season as she enters free agency.
Written by
Edited by
Pragya Vashisth