The Top 5 Players in Indiana Fever History — And Caitlin Clark’s Future Place

It’s only a matter of time before Caitlin Clark cements her place among the elite names in Indiana Fever history. If her current performance trajectory continues, she might even finish as the second-best player the franchise has ever seen.

But that’s still down the road.

The Fever, a cornerstone of the WNBA since their inception, have boasted several incredible talents over the years — including one true legend, Tamika Catchings, who many argue is among the greatest players the league has ever seen.

Let’s take a closer look at the five most influential and impactful players in Fever history — for now.

5. Briann January—The Defensive Anchor

Briann January’s spot in the top five may eventually be taken by Clark or Aliyah Boston, but for the time being, she deserves her flowers. One of the premier defensive guards in WNBA history, January was a consistent and reliable presence for the Fever across nine seasons.

She earned seven WNBA All-Defensive Team selections, six of them while in Indiana. She was also a key part of the 2012 championship squad, anchoring the backcourt with her elite on-ball defense.

Though not a prolific scorer, January was a solid floor spacer. She shot 37.6% from beyond the arc across her career and led the league in three-point percentage twice. She ranks 39th in league history in career threes made — a testament to her consistency and value in big moments.

4. Tammy Sutton-Brown—The Post Presence

Tammy Sutton-Brown joined the Fever later in her career — in her seventh season — but she made an immediate impact. Her first year with Indiana saw her named an All-Star, and she played a starting role in the 2012 title run.

Her stats won’t wow you, but Sutton-Brown was the kind of dependable, hard-nosed post player every great team needs. Her defense and rebounding were vital during Indiana’s strongest years.

Despite not spending her full career with the Fever, she ranks fourth in franchise history in rebounds and is second in blocks behind only Tamika Catchings. Her production and leadership made her a standout figure in the frontcourt.

3. Kelsey Mitchell—The Silent Scoring Machine

The lone active player on this list, Kelsey Mitchell, has emerged as one of the most productive scorers in Fever history. Among players with at least 50 games played for the team, Mitchell currently holds the top spot for career points per game — though that might change soon with Clark’s rise.

Now in her eighth season, Mitchell’s early years were tough, with the team struggling to find its footing. Her scoring was sometimes dismissed as “empty calories,” but over the last few seasons, she has proven her critics wrong.

Mitchell made the WNBA All-Star team in both 2023 and 2024, and she finished 10th in MVP voting last season. An elite shooter, she currently ranks 14th all-time in three-pointers made, and that number is only going up.

If she stays in Indiana — she’s due for free agency next offseason — she could remain a franchise cornerstone and finish even higher on this list.

2. Katie Douglas—A Two-Way Star

Katie Douglas spent six impactful seasons with the Fever and made two All-Star appearances during that time. Her most notable season came in 2009, when she averaged 17.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.8 steals, good enough for third place in MVP voting.

Douglas was a critical piece in Indiana’s 2012 title team and is one of only two players in franchise history with 20+ win shares. Among qualified Fever players, she ranks third in points per game and third in steals per game.

Her scoring, defense, and veteran presence helped elevate Indiana during one of its most successful eras.

1. Tamika Catchings—The Undisputed GOAT

There’s zero debate when it comes to Tamika Catchings holding the top spot in Fever history. And for many, she’s not just the greatest Fever player — she’s the greatest WNBA player of all time.

Catchings leads Indiana in virtually every statistical category: points, rebounds, steals, blocks, assists, minutes played — you name it. She was the face of the franchise from Day 1 and carried the team for more than a decade.

When it comes to win shares, an advanced stat used to measure a player’s total contribution to their team’s success, Catchings is in a league of her own. Her 93.66 career win shares are by far the most in WNBA history. For context, second-place Diana Taurasi has 74.49 — a gap of over 19, which is about the same as the difference between second and 16th place.

Catchings was a relentless defender as well. She holds the all-time WNBA record for steals per game and won five Defensive Player of the Year awards. She was named MVP just once, but remarkably finished in the top five of MVP voting ten times, including her rookie season, where she finished third.

Even if Caitlin Clark goes on to win MVPs and multiple championships, dethroning Catchings will be a monumental challenge.

Final Thoughts: Caitlin Clark’s Place in Franchise Lore

Caitlin Clark’s impact is already being felt, both statistically and culturally. She brings an unparalleled spotlight and skill set that could transform the Fever’s future. But greatness in a franchise as storied as Indiana’s takes time.

While Clark’s trajectory is sky-high — and she could climb to No. 2 sooner than we think — the legacy of Tamika Catchings remains untouchable for now.

Still, if Clark and Aliyah Boston can build a new dynasty in Indiana, this list may look very different in five years.