As WNBA preseason intensifies, the Indiana Fever face one of the toughest challenges any team must navigate: trimming a stacked, talented training camp roster down to the final 12 players. With superstar rookie Caitlin Clark generating headlines and veterans returning to reclaim their roles, the Fever’s coaching staff must make some hard decisions — and not everyone can stay.

So, who makes the cut? And more importantly, who must go?

 The Clark Effect: A New Era Begins

The arrival of Caitlin Clark, the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer and No. 1 overall draft pick, has already changed the Fever’s identity. She’s expected to start, play big minutes, and become the centerpiece of the offense. But her presence also puts pressure on the rest of the backcourt — especially those on the roster bubble.

Guaranteed locks:

Caitlin Clark (G)

Aliyah Boston (F/C)

Kelsey Mitchell (G)

NaLyssa Smith (F)

These four form the core of Indiana’s young, high-upside rebuild. Their spots are secured.

 The Tough Calls: Bubble Watch

Lexie Hull (G/F)
A strong defender with a high motor, Hull brings energy off the bench. But with Clark, Mitchell, and potentially Erica Wheeler ahead of her, her minutes could be limited. Is her defensive edge enough to justify a roster spot?

Erica Wheeler (G)
The veteran point guard brings leadership and stability — something valuable for a young team. But can the Fever afford to keep an older guard who might take minutes from Clark’s development?

Kristy Wallace (G)
Wallace offers versatility and has shown flashes of strong play, but she may get squeezed out if the team leans more heavily on experience or youth.

Temi Fagbenle (F/C)
The Fever need depth behind Boston, and Fagbenle’s international experience could give her the edge. But if the team wants to go small and play faster, she may be in danger.

Roster Strategy: Balance Is Key

The Fever must balance youth and experience, offense and defense, potential and performance. With a young star like Clark at the helm and a franchise cornerstone in Boston, Indiana will want players who can complement their style — floor spacing, tempo, and high-IQ basketball.

But there’s only room for 12.

 Who MUST Go?

If Indiana prioritizes development and building for the future, they may need to say goodbye to some veteran contributors or fringe players with limited upside.

On the hot seat:

Kristy Wallace

Rennia Davis

Queen Egbo (if the team shifts away from a traditional post-heavy rotation)

Ultimately, this comes down to philosophy: Does Indiana want to contend now or build a long-term foundation? The answer to that question could decide who stays and who’s cut.

Final Thoughts

“There can be only one” isn’t just a dramatic headline — it reflects the reality of WNBA roster cuts, where even good players are released due to the league’s small roster limits. For Indiana, this is a pivotal moment. The decisions made over the next few days won’t just affect the Fever’s opening-night roster — they’ll shape the future of the franchise.