Indiana Fever Coach Has Strong Message About Star After Reduced Role

The Indiana Fever saw their breakthrough campaign end in the first round of the WNBA playoffs after getting swept by the Connecticut Sun.

Despite the exit, the Fever achieved numerous feats during the season, highlighted by their first postseason stint since 2016 and guard Caitlin Clark winning Rookie of the Year.

Still, there will be uncertainties heading into the offseason, with Fever top scorer Kelsey Mitchell becoming an unrestricted free agent. There's also the case of forward NaLyssa Smith, who saw a reduced role this season.

Fans theorized that Smith is unhappy with the Fever after her lengthy post on Instagram and could seek better opportunities elsewhere.

Fever coach Christie Sides, however, made it clear that Smith is one of the reasons for their strong campaign, calling her an "incredible player."

"She had great moments for us throughout the year," Sides said in a report from IndyStar's Chloe Peterson . "She is one of the key pieces that we were able to have such a successful year."

The 24-year-old Smith, whose averages dipped to career-lows of 24.8 minutes, 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, clarified that her recent post wasn't a goodbye but a message of appreciation.

The 47-year-old Sides said she and Smith talked about how they will move forward as a unit.

"The conversations that we had yesterday in exit meetings were just about how she can be better, and how she can help our team be better," Sides said.

"I love that about her. I love that she wants to make sure that she is doing what she has to do to be better."

Related: Indiana Fever Star Clarifies Emotional Post Amid Departure Rumors

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