Fever Shake Up Roster with Key Addition
The Indiana Fever have garnered significant attention in the 2024 WNBA season, largely due to the addition of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Clark has been impressive in her debut season, contributing to the team’s improved performance. Now, the Fever are looking to bolster their playoff prospects further with the activation of forward Damiris Dantas, while waiving rookie Celeste Taylor, as reported by Chloe Peterson of The Indy Star.
Dantas, signed during the offseason as a free agent, had been sidelined with a knee injury sustained outside of training camp, leading the team to temporarily suspend her contract. Now healthy, Dantas is set to join the active roster.
Celeste Taylor, the 15th overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, was largely out of the rotation, appearing in only five games for the Fever.
Damiris Dantas, a Brazilian native, brings eight years of WNBA experience, last playing for the Minnesota Lynx in the 2022 season. That year, she averaged 5.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 15 games. Dantas, the 12th overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft, has also played for the Atlanta Dream. She adds valuable size to the Fever’s frontcourt and the ability to play as a small-ball center, with proficiency both in the post and as a floor spacer.
Fever’s Recent Performance
The Fever started the 2024 season as one of the league’s worst teams, but have turned things around, winning four of their last five games, including a four-game win streak. The improved chemistry between Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, as well as Boston’s increased offensive role, have been pivotal.
During the win streak, Boston averaged 19.5 points, 11.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 2.3 blocks, shooting 74.8 percent from the field. This success was achieved despite the absence of Temi Fagbenle, who had been performing strongly before a foot injury.
Clark has also strengthened her case for Rookie of the Year, averaging 16.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 assists during the win streak, with shooting percentages of 47.7 from the field and 35.7 from the three-point line.
Currently, the Fever hold a 7-11 record, just half a game behind the Chicago Sky for the eighth and final playoff spot, and two games ahead of the Los Angeles Sparks, who are in the 10th spot.
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