Caitlin Clark mania’ had unintended consequences for the Fever

Sheryl Swoopes explains why Christie Sides deserved more credit

Caitlin Clark

The Indiana Fever recently announced their decision to part ways with head coach Christie Sides after two seasons, a move framed by Fever president Kelly Krauskopf as part of the team’s broader ambition to return to championship glory.

Krauskopf‘s statement emphasized the importance of bold and assertive decisions in pursuing that goal, adding, “It is imperative that we remain bold and assertive in the pursuit of our goals, which includes maximizing our talent and bringing another WNBA championship back to Indiana.”

Not long after the announcement, the Fever named Stephanie White, a former Connecticut Sun coach, as Sides‘ replacement. While White‘s hiring has sparked conversations about her potential impact, a different angle has emerged regarding Sides’ dismissal.

WNBA legend Sheryl Swoopes recently weighed in, suggesting that the overwhelming attention surrounding rookie sensation Caitlin Clark may have played a significant role in Sides’ exit.

“I think Christie did as good of a job as she could have… managing all of the craziness, all of the Caitlin mania, all of the hype, all of the media. It was just so much that came with that,” Swoopes remarked during her podcast, ‘You Might Also Like: Levels to This with Sheryl Swoopes and Terrika Foster-Brasby.’

This comment shed light on the immense pressure Sides faced in navigating the expectations of Clark‘s historic debut season, which brought unprecedented attention to the Fever.

Clark raises WNBA and Fever profile

Clark‘s arrival undeniably elevated the Fever’s profile, with the team experiencing sold-out games and a surge in league-wide viewership.

In May alone, the WNBA reported a 94% increase in arena attendance, much of it driven by Clark‘s remarkable play.

Averaging 19.1 points and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game, the rookie lived up to her billing as the No. 1 draft pick, delivering record-breaking performances that captivated fans and analysts alike.

Despite the immense pressure, Sides led the Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016-a feat that showcased her ability to navigate a challenging roster dynamic.

However, Swoopes pointed out that the “Caitlin mania” wasn’t without its challenges. In previous commentary, she suggested that Clark‘s immense popularity could create tension among teammates.

During an episode of Gil’s Arena, Swoopes even hinted at potential unrest in the Fever locker room, though she provided no concrete evidence.

“There’s a lot of other s*** going on, that other [Fever] players are like, ‘This ain’t where I want to be,'” she speculated at the time. While her comments drew backlash from figures like Stephen A. Smith and Nancy Lieberman, they highlighted the unique challenges of managing a team centered around a high-profile star.

Sides‘ departure may not be entirely tied to Clark‘s prominence, but the demands of leading a team under such intense scrutiny were undoubtedly significant.

While Stephanie White now takes the reins, it’s clear that the Fever’s journey remains intertwined with the bright spotlight cast by Caitlin Clark‘s exceptional talent.