There has been much discussion surrounding the Indiana Fever’s decision to acquire Sophie Cunningham, with some suggesting that she was brought in specifically to act as an enforcer for Caitlin Clark. However, this narrative is somewhat misleading. While Cunningham herself has acknowledged that she will stand up for her teammates—including Clark—her addition to the team serves a much broader purpose.
Cunningham has built a reputation as a fierce competitor who is not afraid to assert herself on the court. She has demonstrated resilience and tenacity throughout her career, traits that will undoubtedly benefit the Fever in their pursuit of success. After spending six seasons with the Phoenix Mercury, Cunningham was traded to Indiana in early February. This move, which sent NaLyssa Smith and a draft pick to Phoenix as part of a larger four-team trade, signaled the Fever’s commitment to winning immediately. By adding Cunningham, the team strengthened its roster with a player who brings both offensive and defensive advantages.
One of the key benefits Cunningham brings is her ability to shoot from the perimeter. The Fever have been in need of a reliable shooter, and Cunningham fills that role effectively. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch, she provides versatility on both ends of the court. Last season, she averaged 8.4 points per game while grabbing 3.9 rebounds. Additionally, her three-point shooting percentage stood at an impressive 37.8%, which will significantly aid Indiana’s spacing on the floor.
Beyond her statistical contributions, Cunningham is also known for her spirited style of play. She embraces competition and does not back down from challenges, a quality that has both earned her respect and made her a polarizing figure in the WNBA. Her fiery personality and willingness to engage physically have led many to assume that the Fever acquired her primarily to protect Clark from aggressive opponents. However, this assumption fails to recognize her full value as a player.
While it is true that Clark has faced a fair amount of rough play and targeted defense, Cunningham’s role extends beyond that of a protector. She is a seasoned professional who has learned from some of the best players in the league and has developed into a formidable presence in her own right. Indiana’s decision to trade for her was motivated by multiple factors, including her ability to contribute offensively, provide defensive intensity, and bring leadership to the team.
Nevertheless, Cunningham made it clear in her introductory press conference that she is prepared to have Clark’s back. She emphasized that she is naturally competitive and will always stand up for her teammates, just as she does for herself. In her own words:
“Anything she needs from me, I’m going to be here. But again, I think that just the competitor that I am, I’m fierce, I’m sassy, I stick up for my teammates, I stick up for myself. Sometimes, I think that’s okay to be feisty and to be yourself.”
Cunningham’s presence alone is likely to make opposing players more cautious when it comes to how they handle Clark. While she was not specifically acquired to be Clark’s enforcer, the reality is that her toughness and physical style of play will naturally serve as a deterrent to overly aggressive opponents. The same can be said for DeWanna Bonner, another key addition to the Fever’s roster.
Interestingly, Bonner and Clark have a bit of history. The two players had an intense on-court exchange during the playoffs, demonstrating their respective competitive spirits. However, now that they are teammates, Bonner’s veteran leadership and physicality will serve as an additional layer of protection for Clark. Bonner, who has already clashed with Angel Reese—a player with whom Clark shares a well-documented rivalry—brings her own brand of intensity to the team. Her experience and defensive capabilities will be invaluable as the Fever look to establish themselves as a playoff contender.
Ultimately, both Cunningham and Bonner were acquired because of their skills and the specific needs they fulfill within Indiana’s system. They were not brought in to simply act as enforcers, but their toughness will certainly play a role in ensuring that Clark is not subjected to excessive physicality from opponents. Their presence will force teams to think twice before trying to intimidate Clark, allowing her to focus on leading the Fever’s offense and continuing her development as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
The moves made by the Fever this offseason make perfect sense from a strategic standpoint. By acquiring players like Cunningham and Bonner, the team has not only improved its roster but also set a tone for the kind of culture it wants to cultivate—one built on toughness, competitiveness, and skill. Cunningham’s shooting, defensive versatility, and tenacity make her an excellent addition, while Bonner’s veteran experience and all-around game provide an additional boost.
While the narrative that Cunningham was brought in solely to be Clark’s protector may persist, it overlooks the more significant reasons behind her acquisition. Indiana saw an opportunity to bring in a talented player who fits their needs and embraced it. And while Cunningham will undoubtedly stand up for Clark, just as she would for any teammate, her role in the team extends far beyond that. With her and Bonner in the mix, the Fever are shaping up to be a formidable force in the upcoming season.
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