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Caitlin Clark’s teammate Kelsey Mitchell drops possible hint on her future with Fever amid rumors of exiting Indiana
Kelsey Mitchell drops possible hint on her future in her congratulatory message to Caitlin Clark (Photo credits: GETTY)
The Indiana Fever, including two-time All-Star Kelsey Mitchell, shared a video for Caitlin Clark after she won Rookie of the Year honors. Mitchell may have hinted at her future with the team during the video.
Mitchell, who signed a three-year extension in 2021, becomes a free agent this offseason. While the rumor mill suggests she will leave Indiana, her recent statement to Clark could end those rumors.
This is what Mitchell said that could be taken as a hint regarding her future.
“You’ve done a lot of things that not a lot of people can do. From me to you, I’m always going to be a fan. I’m always gonna be in your corner. ‘I’m always gonna be in your backcourt.”
While her words were likely hyperbolic, the All-Star stating that she will always be in Clark’s backcourt is nonetheless interesting. It could indicate she wants to remain with the Fever as part of their core.
However, Mitchell’s statement could also symbolize the relationship she and Clark have developed. In that sense, she could say that even if she plays for another team, she will always support the former Iowa Buckeye.
Kelsey Mitchell’s impact was just as important as Caitlin Clark’s for the Indiana Fever
While Caitlin Clark led Indiana to its first postseason appearance since 2016, she didn’t do it alone. Kelsey Mitchell, who made her second straight All-Star team this year, was just as vital to the Fever’s offense.
She and Clark finished the season tied in points per game with 19.2. Mitchell was also more efficient than her rookie teammate. Clark made 41.7% from the field while averaging 14.5 attempts per game, including 34.4% from downtown on 8.9 attempts.
Mitchell made 46.8% of her field goals while averaging more attempts (15.1). She also finished the season with a 40.2% shooting clip from deep while attempting fewer 3s than Clark (6.8).
Clark and Mitchell are the only Fever players to score over 700 points. The rookie standout led the team with 769 points. However, Mitchell finished only two points behind her.
While Kelsey Mitchell doesn’t enjoy the same popularity as Caitlin Clark, coaches across the league recognize her value. Mitchell should be one of the top free agents this offseason if she doesn’t ink an extension with the Fever in January.
