ESPN Predicts Caitlin Clark's New Indiana Fever Teammate Next Season

As the WNBA regular-season concluded, and attention has turned to the playoffs, ESPN has released its updated 2025 mock draft.

While the Los Angeles Sparks seemingly hold the No. 1 pick in the draft, there are a few other rosters that could add an intriguing prospect.

A team like the Indiana Fever, led by rookie Caitlin Clark, may be one piece away from truly contending for the WNBA title.

In her first season in the league, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists and 5.7 rebounds per game. She led the WNBA in average assists and led all rookies in average points.

Playing behind the rookie's success, the Fever are currently in the playoffs. They are down 0-1 in the first-round to the Connecticut Sun, facing elimination on Wednesday.

While Indiana still has a chance to show that they can compete for the WNBA title, they have gaping holes that look too large to fill this season.

Indiana has struggled all year in the front court at both the power forward and center positions. They dealt with ongoing injury concerns with backup center Temi Fagbenle and having underwhelming performances from forwards NaLyssa Smith and Katie Lou Samuelson.

ESPN has the answer to Indiana's problems.

In their latest mock draft, ESPN predicted the Fever would pair a player like Clark with UCLA Bruins prospect Janiah Barker.

Barker started her career with the Texas A&M Aggies and then opted to transfer to UCLA for her junior season.

In her freshman season with the Aggies, Barker recorded 12.7 points and 5.9 rebounds per game. She started in seven of 19 games played. The 6-foot-4 power forward also made a significant impact on the defensive end, finishing the season with one block and 1.1 steals per game.

Last year, Barker had another successful season at Texas A&M. She produced 12.2 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.

She'll be playing in her first season with the UCLA Bruins in 2024 after transferring in the offseason.

According to the WNBA's draft rules, a player must be 22 years old during the draft. They also must be four years removed from high school graduation or have completed their college eligibility.

ESPN has the Fever selecting Barker with the No. 8 overall pick, but the lottery has yet to be finalized. The draft order is determined by a system that includes the four teams with the worst records from the previous seasons.

After they are positioned in the draft, the rest of the order is based on the win-loss record from WNBA playoff teams.

Related: Big Ten Sends Caitlin Clark Message After AP Rookie of the Year Award

Related: Indiana Fever Post Strong Six-Word Message Before Elimination Game