WHAT SHE TALKIN’ ‘BOUT? | Sheryl Swoopes Claims Indiana Fever Failed Kelsey Mitchell | HO

Sheryl Swoopes suggested that the Indiana Fever failed Kelsey Mitchell, who, alongside Caitlin Clark, makes up the best backcourt in the WNBA. What is Sheryl Swoopes saying, and what, more importantly, might she be trying to do?

Sheryl Swoopes has made some bold claims about the Indiana Fever, and they’ve raised some eyebrows. On her new podcast, Levels to This, the WNBA legend discussed the Indiana Fever’s handling of Kelsey Mitchell’s breakout season. She’s not holding back, and it seems like there’s a lot to unpack from what Swoopes said. But the big question is: What exactly is Sheryl Swoopes talking about? Let’s dive in and break it down.

In her podcast, Swoopes made it clear that she believes the Indiana Fever messed up when it came to handling Kelsey Mitchell. Specifically, she stated that Mitchell had a “hell of a season,” but that the Fever didn’t give her the recognition or credit she deserved. Swoopes was referring to Mitchell’s performance during the 2023 season, a year where Kelsey certainly turned heads with her play on the court.

At the time, Mitchell was one of the most consistent performers for the Fever, putting up career-high numbers and leading the team in scoring. Yet, Swoopes seems to think that the Fever didn’t fully capitalize on Mitchell’s potential or give her the spotlight she deserved. But what exactly did Swoopes mean by this? Was she implying that the team didn’t allow Mitchell to shine, or was she suggesting that the Fever failed to promote her as one of the top players in the league?

Let’s take a look at the numbers: Kelsey Mitchell averaged 19.2 points per game, shot 46.8% from the field, and hit a career-high in three-pointers. She also made history with seven consecutive 20-plus point games—an Indiana Fever franchise record. Mitchell was a major reason why the Fever were competitive this season, and she earned respect across the league for her offensive versatility.

So, when Swoopes claims that Mitchell wasn’t given the credit she deserved, it’s clear she’s referring to something beyond just on-court performance. Mitchell’s season was one of her best, and yet, some felt like the Fever didn’t do enough to celebrate it. Swoopes isn’t the only one raising questions about how Mitchell was handled—fans and media alike have noted that, despite her success, Mitchell didn’t always get the spotlight that other players might have received for similar achievements.

Swoopes also seemed to hint at something deeper, possibly involving Kelsey Mitchell’s relationship with Caitlin Clark. The Fever’s roster in 2023 featured two of the most talked-about players in the WNBA—Mitchell and Clark. Caitlin Clark, with her meteoric rise in college basketball and eventual transition to the WNBA, has become a household name. As much as Clark has brought attention to the Fever, it’s clear that the Indiana organization has been walking a fine line when it comes to managing the spotlight between the two players.

Many have speculated that the Fever might have been hesitant to give Clark too much attention, partly due to her already high media profile and the potential for overshadowing Mitchell. Still, Clark’s presence undoubtedly brought a lot of eyes to the team. It would be hard to argue that the attention wasn’t a double-edged sword. While it gave the Fever exposure, it may have also made it harder for Mitchell to carve out her own identity within the team.

What seems clear is that Swoopes’ criticism isn’t necessarily about Caitlin Clark herself but how the Fever managed the dynamics between the two players. Was there too much focus on Clark, which inadvertently caused Mitchell to get overlooked? It’s a valid point to consider.

Looking at the Fever’s social media and how they’ve highlighted Mitchell throughout the season, it’s hard to say they completely neglected her achievements. The Fever’s social media pages were filled with posts celebrating Mitchell’s scoring milestones, career highs, and impact on games. For example, they made sure to highlight the fact that both Mitchell and Clark had broken franchise scoring records. This was a major milestone for the team, and it was clear that Mitchell was a key part of the Fever’s success.

Additionally, there were posts showing Mitchell’s leadership on the floor, her scoring performances, and her strong play in critical moments. So, what does this mean for Swoopes’ claims that Mitchell was not recognized properly? The Fever was certainly showing love to Kelsey Mitchell on multiple occasions, and there was no shortage of praise for her from fans and players alike.

Here’s where it gets tricky. Did the Fever really “hold Kelsey Mitchell back,” as Swoopes seems to suggest? Or did the organization simply not give her the media exposure she deserved in comparison to Caitlin Clark? There’s a subtle but important difference between the two. It’s one thing to not celebrate a player’s achievements publicly (which wasn’t the case with Mitchell), but it’s another to not build a system that maximizes her potential.

The reality is that the Fever’s system did, in fact, allow Mitchell to have a standout season. She was given the freedom to play her game, and it was clear she had the green light to score. As Swoopes pointed out, Mitchell had a “hell of a season.” So, perhaps Swoopes’ criticism isn’t about the team holding Mitchell back, but rather, not celebrating her efforts and contributions in the way that other players would have been.

There’s a possibility that Sheryl Swoopes’ comments are more than just a critique of the Indiana Fever. After all, Swoopes has a long history with the WNBA and has had her own experiences with the spotlight. Maybe, just maybe, her comments are a form of encouragement—encouraging Kelsey Mitchell to continue pushing for more recognition, especially as she enters her prime years as a player.

It’s also possible that Swoopes is subtly planting a seed for Mitchell to look elsewhere. Could she be implying that Mitchell is too good to be in a situation where she’s not fully appreciated? Is she suggesting that Mitchell should leave the Fever for a team that will highlight her talents more prominently? These are all possible interpretations, and Swoopes’ tone leaves room for speculation.

Regardless of what Sheryl Swoopes meant or how her comments will be received, one thing is clear: Kelsey Mitchell is a star on the rise, and she’s found a good home with the Indiana Fever. The team knows her value, and with the Fever’s priority on bringing her back, Mitchell’s future looks bright. Whether or not the Fever could have done more to promote her this season remains an open question, but there’s no doubt that she has the respect of her peers, coaches, and fans.

As for Sheryl Swoopes? Well, it’s clear she’s never been shy about speaking her mind. Whether you agree with her or not, one thing is for sure—she’s raising important questions about how the Fever handled Mitchell’s incredible season. As for Mitchell, she seems poised to keep balling out, regardless of the noise around her. The Fever knows what they’ve got in her, and I’m betting they’ll make sure to keep her happy moving forward.