The Indiana Fever are currently the most-watched team in the WNBA — and with good reason. Caitlin Clark’s arrival has turned the franchise into a media magnet, ticket sales are through the roof, and the team is finally building a roster that can compete for the long haul.

But with all eyes on Indiana, there’s a question worth asking:
Is it the right place for every young player?

One name that’s surfaced in recent draft conversations is Lucy Olsen, the standout guard from Villanova who declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft after a breakout season. While Olsen is an elite scorer with pro-ready toughness, the idea of her landing with the Fever has drawn mixed reactions — and for good reason.

Here’s why Lucy Olsen getting drafted to Indiana might not be the best move — for her or the team.

The Backcourt Is Already Crowded

Let’s be honest: Indiana’s backcourt is loaded.

With Caitlin Clark running the point, veteran Kelsey Mitchell holding down the shooting guard spot, and other young guards like Erica Wheeler and Kristy Wallace still in the mix, there’s little room left for development minutes.

Lucy Olsen is best with the ball in her hands — she was Villanova’s lead guard, averaging over 23 points per game, while also facilitating offense. But in Indiana, she’d be relegated to a secondary or even tertiary role, likely watching more than playing in her rookie season.

That kind of situation isn’t ideal for a player who thrives in rhythm and confidence.

Clark & Olsen Are Too Similar in Style

Both Caitlin Clark and Lucy Olsen are scoring-minded guards who like to create for themselves and others. While that sounds exciting on paper, it could lead to redundancy on the floor.

Clark is the face of the franchise — her play style, tempo, and shot selection define the team’s identity. Asking Lucy Olsen to adapt to a system already centered around another high-usage, dynamic guard could limit her ability to showcase what makes her special.

Instead of being a natural fit, Olsen might be forced to reshape her game — something that’s tough for a rookie trying to prove she belongs in a competitive league.

Defensive Concerns Could Be Exposed

One of the questions scouts have about Olsen is her lateral quickness and how she’ll hold up defensively at the pro level, especially against faster, stronger WNBA guards.

Pairing her next to Caitlin Clark — who also faces scrutiny for her defense — could spell trouble for Indiana. Teams would likely target that backcourt combo relentlessly, forcing both players into difficult matchups.

Indiana is trying to build a complete team around Clark. Adding another guard with similar defensive limitations might slow that progress down.

There Are Better Fits for Olsen Elsewhere

Lucy Olsen has WNBA talent — no doubt. But fit matters in a league where roster spots are limited and roles are clearly defined.

A team like the Dallas Wings, Minnesota Lynx, or Seattle Storm could offer Olsen more flexibility, minutes, and a system that caters to her strengths. A slower-paced offense that allows her to initiate plays, work in ball screens, and score without always deferring to a superstar would help her grow faster.

Olsen needs a place where she can be developed, not buried.

Final Thoughts

Caitlin Clark and Lucy Olsen might have lit up the college scene, but that doesn’t mean they should share the same jersey in the WNBA. While the storyline sounds exciting, the reality is more complicated.

Drafting Lucy Olsen to the Indiana Fever could limit her potential and create unnecessary overlap in an already stacked backcourt. She deserves a shot to lead, grow, and find her rhythm — not fight for scraps behind the league’s brightest new star.

Indiana has enough talent in the guard spot. For Lucy Olsen, the best move might be elsewhere.

Would you like a version of this article rewritten from a fan’s perspective, or more technical with player stats and scouting breakdowns? Let me know how you want to tailor it!