The Indiana Fever have been grappling with a harsh reality this season—one that’s been glaringly obvious to fans and analysts alike. Without the dynamic presence of Caitlin Clark, the Fever are struggling to find an identity, ignite consistent offensive production, and generate the kind of energy that a franchise desperately needs to be competitive in the WNBA. The situation is especially dire when it comes to the playmaking and leadership role currently filled by veteran guard Sydney Colson. Simply put, the Fever need a drastic change, and the most urgent step is clear: please take Sydney Colson out of the game.
Caitlin Clark’s absence from the Fever roster has left a void that no player has come close to filling. Clark’s combination of scoring prowess, vision, and relentless competitiveness has made her one of the most electrifying players in women’s basketball. Her ability to create offense not only through shooting but by generating opportunities for teammates has been a critical missing piece for Indiana. Since Clark’s departure, the Fever have struggled to maintain offensive fluidity and rhythm, and the offensive struggles have been exacerbated by the inefficiency and inconsistent decision-making of their current primary ball handlers, with Sydney Colson’s play being a focal point of frustration.
Sydney Colson, a veteran point guard with a reputation for toughness and leadership, has not delivered the kind of performance Indiana desperately needs. While Colson’s intangibles and experience can’t be dismissed outright, the reality on the court tells a different story. Her shooting struggles, turnovers, and slow decision-making have repeatedly stalled the Fever’s offensive sets, leading to missed scoring opportunities and a stagnant offense. The team’s inability to consistently generate high-quality shots can often be traced back to Colson’s handling of the ball, forcing the question: is she the right fit to lead this team’s backcourt?
Colson’s shortcomings are particularly glaring when compared to what Caitlin Clark brought to the table. Clark’s knack for breaking down defenses and her uncanny court vision allowed Indiana to attack opponents relentlessly and keep defenses off balance. Without her, the Fever look flat and predictable. Colson’s offensive game lacks the explosiveness and creativity needed to spark consistent scoring runs. Her shooting percentages are subpar, and the lack of offensive aggression leaves the Fever’s offense lacking in urgency and firepower. This gap has been felt deeply by fans who once believed the team had the pieces to be competitive.
The Fever’s struggles are not limited to just Colson’s individual play but extend to the ripple effect her inefficiency has on the entire roster. When the point guard cannot effectively run the offense or generate scoring chances, the rest of the team suffers. Indiana’s other players are forced into iso-heavy looks or rushed shots without proper spacing and ball movement. The result is a team that frequently finds itself out of sync and unable to capitalize on its offensive possessions. This has led to a decline in team morale and dwindling fan support as the losses pile up.
Beyond the offensive inefficiencies, Colson’s defensive impact has also been underwhelming. The Fever have struggled to contain opposing guards, often giving up easy baskets due to lapses in positioning and slow rotations. In a league filled with dynamic, speedy guards, Indiana needs someone who can disrupt offenses and create turnovers. Unfortunately, Colson has not provided the defensive intensity or consistency required to anchor the backcourt. This defensive liability further exacerbates the team’s woes and makes it difficult for Indiana to compete against the league’s elite teams.
The urgency to make changes at the point guard position cannot be overstated. Fever head coach Christie Sides faces a difficult decision but one that is necessary for the team’s survival and future success. The team’s record and offensive rankings are a clear signal that the current approach is not working. It’s time to explore other options—whether that means giving younger players more minutes, shifting roles within the roster, or bringing in external talent via trades or signings. The status quo, anchored by Colson’s continued struggles, is simply untenable.
Fans have voiced their frustrations loudly and clearly. Social media platforms, forums, and local broadcasts have been rife with calls to reduce Colson’s playing time or bench her altogether. While veteran leadership is valuable, it cannot come at the cost of on-court effectiveness. The Fever need a point guard who can push the pace, create scoring chances under pressure, and maintain composure during critical moments. Colson’s current form does not meet these criteria, and continuing down this path risks further damaging the team’s competitive standing and reputation.
The absence of Caitlin Clark has highlighted the importance of having a true floor general who can manage the game’s tempo and make smart plays. Clark’s skill set allowed Indiana to maintain offensive balance and flow even when other parts of the team struggled. Without that presence, the Fever have become disjointed, and Colson has not provided the spark needed to hold the offense together. This has led to one of the most disappointing stretches in the franchise’s recent history and raises questions about roster construction and player development moving forward.
The Fever’s front office and coaching staff must now face the reality that simply hoping for improvement from Colson or the current rotation is not enough. They must act decisively to rebuild the backcourt around players who can thrive without Clark. Investing in youth development, accelerating the growth of promising guards, or making bold moves in the trade market could offer a path forward. Without such action, Indiana risks falling further behind the rest of the league and alienating its loyal fan base.
Sydney Colson’s time as the primary ball handler in Indiana has underscored the harsh truth that veteran presence is only valuable if it translates to tangible results on the court. Despite her leadership qualities, the statistical and observational evidence shows that she is holding the team back. Acknowledging this reality is the first step toward a necessary transformation. The Fever must prioritize performance and fit over sentimentality to chart a course back to competitiveness.
