Fever Coach Christie Sides Breaks Silence on Suddenly Cutting 2024 Draft Pick

The Indiana Fever are shaking up their roster midway through the season. After activating center Damiris Dantas, the Fever cut Celeste Taylor, their No. 15 overall pick from the 2024 WNBA Draft.

The decision came as a surprise, as Fever head coach Christie Sides never mentioned Dantas' return was imminent. Sides also said her focus was on beefing up the team's defense after losing 88-87 to the Chicago Sky, and Taylor is the reigning Big Ten Defensive Player of Year.

Speaking to reporters on June 26, Sides broke her silence on the "tough" decision to waive Taylor.

"That was just a really tough choice,” Sides said of waiving the Ohio State alum. “Celeste did everything we asked her. She was a great teammate. She talked more than most as a rookie. She just fell really comfortable communicating on the court. And on the bench as well. She was really good about in-huddles.

"It was really hard to let her go. It was just a business decision. It’s one of the hardest things we have to do in this game," Sides concluded.

Part of fans' frustration with Taylor's release is that she barely got a chance to prove herself during her tenure with the Fever. Taylor, who was named 2023 ACC Defensive Player of the Year during her last season with Duke, appeared in just five games while averaging 3.2 minutes, not enough time to record meaningful stats.

One fan replied , "It was absolutely the wrong 'business' decision to cut Celeste Taylor and the franchise is gonna find that out. The fan base is still mad. Fans that followed Celeste to the team will be gone. Business decision? You cut the wrong player."

Numerous other fans shared their views on X, as they felt Sides didn't give a legit reason.

Related: Caitlin Clark Leads Birthday Celebration for Fever Teammate Celeste Taylor

Related: Fans Devastated After Indiana Fever Suddenly Announce Major Roster Change

Related: Fans Call Fever Coach Christie Sides 'Liar' After Caitlin Clark Comment