NaLyssa Smith NEEDS TO GO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE As She Is LAST REMAINING LIABILITY On Indiana Fever | HO
The Indiana Fever, once a team with promising talent and a clear vision, now faces a hurdle that many fans believe needs immediate attention: NaLyssa Smith. The critique has not only been vocal but increasingly detailed, and there’s a growing consensus that she is more of a liability than an asset. With a roster filled with skilled players like Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston, and rising star Caitlin Clark, fans have expressed frustration over Smith’s performance, on and off the court.
From a basketball perspective, Smith’s on-court performance has consistently left fans and analysts baffled. One recurring complaint is her excessive focus on attempting spin moves that frequently lead to missed shots, or “bricks,” as fans have coined it. Instead of working within the team’s offensive flow, Smith has been accused of prioritizing her own scoring stats, which disrupts the team’s rhythm. The offensive breakdowns are evident whenever Smith tries to force her way to the basket rather than passing to an open teammate or following the team’s plays. This behavior has made her play appear self-centered and inefficient, hurting her standing among fans and teammates alike.
Smith’s inability to grab rebounds efficiently has been another glaring issue. Her tendency to mistime jumps and struggle to secure the ball in critical moments adds to her shortcomings on the court. Fans frequently note her lack of coordination and the way she mishandles rebounds, often losing out to opposing players. These rebounds are crucial, as each one missed translates to fewer scoring opportunities and more chances for the opposing team to capitalize. In a league as competitive as the WNBA, a team cannot afford to have a key player falter in such a fundamental aspect of the game.
Another notable flaw in Smith’s game is her defense. Defensive discipline is a cornerstone for any successful team, yet Smith has struggled to maintain consistent defensive form. Instead of following standard defensive techniques like sliding her feet and keeping her body between the basket and her opponent, Smith has often been seen trying to muscle through her assignments. This approach has led to easy scoring opportunities for the opposition and has often forced other teammates to pick up the slack on defense, which tires out the entire squad.
Off the court, Smith’s presence has also been a point of contention. Known for her social media outbursts and passive-aggressive subtweets, Smith has created an atmosphere of tension within the fanbase and, reportedly, within the team. Instead of focusing on improving her game, she appears more focused on engaging with criticism on social media. Her interactions often involve responding to fans’ frustrations, which only fuels the discontent. The WNBA is a growing league, and its fans are more knowledgeable and invested than ever. They want to see a cohesive team with players who embody professionalism and dedication. Smith’s tendency to indulge in online drama only adds to the frustration fans feel over her underwhelming performance.
When analyzing Smith’s statistical impact on the Fever, the numbers are not in her favor. Her defensive rating is one of the worst on the team, which is a reflection of her struggles on that end of the court. Her plus-minus score — a stat that indicates how much a team outscores or is outscored with a particular player on the floor — is at a disappointing -91, highlighting her negative influence on the game’s outcome. In contrast, when Smith is on the bench, the team shows an improvement in nearly every category, from shooting percentages to defensive efficiency. The statistics make it clear: Smith’s presence on the floor is detrimental to the Fever’s success.
With promising new players and a solid core in place, the Fever has a strong foundation. For many fans and analysts, the decision seems obvious: Smith needs to go to allow the team to reach its potential. She remains the last remaining liability, a holdover from a previous era that no longer aligns with the Fever’s vision. Releasing or trading her could open up opportunities to bring in players who better fit the team’s playing style and contribute to a more balanced and effective lineup.
Suggestions for potential replacements have included versatile forwards from other teams, such as DeWanna Bonner or Isabelle Harrison. These players bring defensive tenacity, consistent scoring, and an ability to integrate into a team-first mentality. Acquiring players with these traits would allow the Fever to maintain a high level of play and give them a better chance of competing at the highest level.
Ultimately, while NaLyssa Smith may have the potential to thrive in a different environment, it’s become increasingly apparent that the Indiana Fever is not the right fit for her. The Fever has transformed into a team that values discipline, team cohesion, and effort, on and off the court. It’s a culture Smith appears to struggle within, and it’s a situation that no longer benefits her, the team, or the fans.
