Former WNBA star Sue Bird has consistently supported Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark since her college days at the University of Iowa all the way through her first season in the professional league.
Bird understands the pressure and high expectations that Clark faces, having experienced a similar situation herself when she entered the WNBA. Recently, on her podcast “A Touch More,” Bird drew parallels between her rookie year and Clark’s, even hinting at success for Indiana’s future.
“It’s like deja vu for me,” Bird mentioned, recalling her rookie year in 2002, which had resemblances to Clark and Angel Reese’s situations. “We were both part of teams with high expectations due to being consecutive No. 1 draft picks,” Bird explained, referring to recent picks Aliyah Boston and Clark for Indiana.
Bird recounted the ups and downs of her rookie season, where they made the playoffs but got eliminated in the first round. After the season, their coach resigned, a moment that now ties back to Lin Dunn, who is currently with the Indiana Fever.
Dunn, who previously served as the Fever’s GM, transitioned to a new role as Senior Advisor for Indiana recently.
Reflecting on their eventual success with a new coach, Bird expressed optimism for Indiana’s future, echoing her own experience winning two years later.
Sue’s take on the parallel of her own rookie season and Caitlin’s. 😍
“And we won two years later…” ✨ #FeverRising pic.twitter.com/U7P0ns8hnW
Following the recent departure of Christie Sides, Indiana Fever announced the hiring of Stephanie White as their new head coach, hinting at a positive future for the team.
If the parallel between Bird and Clark continues, it seems like the Indiana Fever could be the ones to watch for the 2026 WNBA Championship.
