Fever's Caitlin Clark aims to stay fresh by handling ball less - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Caitlin Clark had a demand as she wrapped up her media day session on Wednesday inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Indiana Fever star ordered the gaggle of media to crowd together so she could take a photo of them.

«You guys always take photos of me, so go over there and act like you like each other,» Clark said, waving her hands to move the crowd similarly to how she directs an offense on the court.

The two-time WNBA All-Star is clearly used to running the show, but she is prepared to give up a bit of control heading into the 2026 season by playing off the ball for stretches in order to give herself a bit of rest.

The team has already talked about monitoring her usage in training camp after a litany of injuries limited Clark to just 13 games in 2025.

There's another thought, though — keeping her energized during games.

The 2024 Rookie of the Year has been the primary ball handler on her teams since well before college. Having the ball in her hands has been a no-brainer considering she set the NCAA all-time career scoring record and finished No. 3 in career assists. Then Clark led the WNBA in assists and 3-point field goals as a rookie.

«It is exhausting, bringing the ball up 94 feet versus pressure every single time,» Clark said. «So, we certainly need to find somebody that can handle the ball a little bit and give me a little bit of a break.»

The Fever have options. Three-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, who might be the fastest guard in the league, has taken that role before, and three-time All-Star Aliyah Boston initiated offense for the team at times in 2025 as Indiana was ravaged by injuries. The organization drafted South Carolina point guard Raven Johnson with the No. 10 pick, and coach Stephanie