The Indiana Fever have been a team on the rise, with their recent trades and draft picks showing that they are committed to building a strong roster for the future. One of their key moves for the 2025 season was the trade for Natasha Howard, a versatile forward who adds significant depth and talent to the Fever’s roster. To understand how this trade impacts the team, we need to break down the full depth chart for the 2025 Indiana Fever, highlighting the key players, their roles, and how Howard fits into the overall team structure.
1. Point Guard (PG)
- Kelsey Mitchell
Height: 5’8″
2024 Stats: 16.1 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.1 RPG
Mitchell has long been the face of the Indiana Fever, and heading into the 2025 season, she remains the starting point guard. Known for her scoring ability, Mitchell can stretch the floor with her three-point shooting and drive to the basket with ease. While she has room to improve as a playmaker, her scoring is a major asset to the team. Mitchell’s ability to light up the scoreboard means the Fever will likely rely on her to run the offense and create opportunities for her teammates. She is the team’s primary offensive engine and is expected to play a major role in both the fast break and half-court offense. - Erica Wheeler
Height: 5’7″
2024 Stats: 9.3 PPG, 5.1 APG, 2.6 RPG
Wheeler provides experience and leadership as a veteran guard. She has a natural feel for the game, especially when it comes to running an offense and setting up teammates. While she’s not the same scoring threat as Mitchell, Wheeler is excellent at managing the game, making smart passes, and controlling the tempo. She will play a key role off the bench, providing a steady hand when the team needs to slow things down or when Mitchell needs rest. Wheeler’s ability to contribute both as a scorer and a facilitator is a valuable asset in the backcourt. - Destiny Henderson
Height: 5’7″
2024 Stats: 7.0 PPG, 2.8 APG, 1.5 RPG
A promising young player, Henderson brings energy and defensive intensity to the point guard position. She may not be as experienced as Mitchell or Wheeler, but she has shown flashes of strong playmaking and a knack for getting into the paint. Henderson will likely see significant minutes in a backup role but could be asked to step up if either Mitchell or Wheeler misses time. As a defender, her quickness and tenacity allow her to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers.
2. Shooting Guard (SG)
- Emily Engstler
Height: 6’1″
2024 Stats: 10.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 1.6 SPG
Engstler is an extremely versatile guard who excels on both ends of the floor. Known for her defensive prowess, she can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with her length and athleticism. Offensively, Engstler has the ability to drive to the basket and finish through contact, but her three-point shooting remains a work in progress. Engstler’s role will likely expand in the 2025 season, as her defensive contributions and rebounding can help elevate the Fever’s play. As a starter, Engstler will provide additional ball movement and serve as a secondary scoring option alongside Mitchell. - Kristy Wallace
Height: 5’10”
2024 Stats: 6.1 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.3 RPG
Wallace is a steady, reliable presence at the shooting guard position. She is a capable ball handler and playmaker who can also score in spurts when needed. Wallace brings a balanced game that fits well with the Fever’s evolving team dynamic. While she might not light up the scoreboard consistently, her defensive efforts, leadership, and ability to make smart decisions on the court make her an important piece in the rotation. Expect Wallace to come off the bench and provide solid minutes, especially in defensive matchups.
3. Small Forward (SF)
- Natasha Howard
Height: 6’2″
2024 Stats: 14.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 1.9 BPG
The acquisition of Natasha Howard is a game-changer for the Indiana Fever. A former WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm and a standout defensive player, Howard brings both experience and versatility to the team. She can play both forward positions and is an elite defender who can guard players both inside and on the perimeter. Offensively, Howard has a well-rounded game, with the ability to score in the post, hit mid-range shots, and space the floor with her three-point shooting. In the 2025 season, Howard will slot into the starting lineup, likely at small forward, where her length, defense, and scoring will provide the Fever with a major boost. - Maggie Lyon
Height: 6’0″
2024 Stats: 4.2 PPG, 2.3 RPG
Lyon is a valuable depth piece who will add perimeter shooting to the Fever’s roster. While she is not expected to play a primary role in the offense, Lyon’s ability to stretch the floor and hit open threes will make her a useful weapon off the bench. Her length and basketball IQ also make her a solid option on defense, particularly when facing wing players who rely on athleticism and shooting.
4. Power Forward (PF)
- NaLyssa Smith
Height: 6’2″
2024 Stats: 16.5 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG
Smith is one of the most talented and promising young forwards in the WNBA. In just her second season, she made an immediate impact as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. Smith’s ability to finish around the rim, combined with her solid rebounding and shot-blocking skills, makes her a true dual threat in the paint. She is also capable of hitting mid-range shots and has shown flashes of three-point shooting, though her range is still developing. As the Fever’s starting power forward, Smith will be a cornerstone of the team’s frontcourt in 2025. Her chemistry with Howard and the rest of the team will be crucial to the Fever’s success. - Queen Egbo
Height: 6’3″
2024 Stats: 7.1 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG
Egbo brings an exciting mix of athleticism and shot-blocking to the power forward position. While not a major offensive weapon, her work on the boards and ability to alter shots defensively are key to the Fever’s defensive identity. In 2025, she will continue to be a valuable role player, particularly as a rebounder and rim protector. Her energy off the bench will be a critical factor in keeping the pace high and maintaining defensive pressure.
5. Center (C)
- Aliyah Boston
Height: 6’5″
2024 Stats: 14.8 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 2.3 BPG
Boston, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft, is one of the most dynamic young players in the league. Her combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her a force both offensively and defensively. As the starting center for the Fever, Boston will be expected to dominate the paint, not only by scoring and rebounding but also by anchoring the defense. She is a natural shot blocker and provides an intimidating presence in the post. Offensively, Boston has the ability to score in a variety of ways, from posting up to finishing on the fast break. In 2025, Boston will be asked to continue developing as a leader on the floor while forming an elite frontcourt partnership with Smith and Howard. - Teaira McCowan
Height: 6’7″
2024 Stats: 11.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 2.1 BPG
McCowan is one of the largest and most physically imposing centers in the WNBA, with the ability to dominate the paint both offensively and defensively. She is an exceptional rebounder and shot blocker and can score efficiently around the rim. McCowan’s size and physicality make her a matchup nightmare for most teams, and she will provide the Fever with an excellent backup center option. While she has struggled with consistency in the past, McCowan has shown that she can be a game-changer when she is locked in. In 2025, McCowan’s role will likely be focused on providing rebounding and interior defense, as well as serving as a secondary offensive option when Boston needs rest.
Team Depth Chart Summary
Starting Five:
- PG: Kelsey Mitchell
- SG: Emily Engstler
- SF: Natasha Howard
- PF: NaLyssa Smith
- C: Aliyah Boston
Key Bench Players:
- PG: Erica Wheeler
- SG: Kristy Wallace
- PF: Queen Egbo
- C: Teaira McCowan
Coaching and System
Under head coach Christy Sides, the Fever have been focusing on developing a more dynamic and balanced offensive attack, while also improving their defense. The addition of Howard brings more versatility and experience to the frontcourt, allowing the Fever to play a more balanced style of basketball. Howard’s presence alongside Smith and Boston gives the Fever one of the most formidable frontcourts in the league, while Mitchell and Engstler provide the team with a dynamic backcourt that can score and facilitate.
The key to the Fever’s success in 2025 will be the development of team chemistry, particularly between their young stars (Smith, Boston, and Engstler) and the seasoned veterans (Howard, Wheeler, and McCowan). If the team can mesh their different skill sets and stay healthy, they will be a tough contender in the WNBA’s Eastern Conference.
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