DeWanna Bonner applauds Indiana Fever fans on Media Day

DeWanna Bonner is absolutely bowled over by the love and belongingness displayed by Indiana Fever fans ahead of her season debut.

DeWanna Bonner applauds Indiana Fever fans on Media Day

DeWanna Bonner

The Indiana Fever have taken some definitive steps to signal that they are here to stay as WNBA contenders for the long haul. The franchise got rid of their previous head coach Christie Sides, replacing her with Stephanie White. They have also upgraded their roster at various spots. Perhaps the biggest addition the team has made is DeWanna Bonner, who formerly played for the Connecticut Sun.

Bonner was a member of the Phoenix Mercury for 11 seasons. She won two WNBA championships during her time in Arizona before being traded to Connecticut. Bonner has been among the league’s best defenders throughout her lengthy 16-year career, and 2024 was no different. Bonner and her wife Alyssa Thomas combined to make the Connecticut Sun a frontcourt menace to go up against for a long time.

However, it seems that the organization had run its course with the latest iteration of their roster. It was more or less clear that the team would be unable to beat the Aces or Liberty as it stood. With the rising Minnesota Lynx running the Liberty mighty close in the finals, the team decided to send its best components away for draft picks and other compensation, living to fight another day.

Thus, the 36-year-old DeWanna Bonner finds herself at a new home in Indianapolis. Much like her younger years, Bonner is now paired with another irresistible, dynamic all-purpose guard. This time, it’s Caitlin Clark who will be running with her, compared to Diana Taurasi at her prime during her Phoenix years.

What Clark brings differently to Taurasi is the sheer star power and fandom that she draws to the occasion. Caitlin Clark is probably the biggest active basketball superstar across genders, even including the likes of LeBron James. Her presence has vitalized downtown Indianapolis and brought relevance to the WNBA as a league. Bonner is experiencing something unique now with a strong fanbase. And it has left the All-Star smiling from ear-to-ear.

Yeah, (it’s a) totally different atmosphere. The support here has been just phenomenal. I really can’t go anywhere. I’ve been here like a week and a half, and everywhere I go it’s just like ‘We’re excited for the season, thank you for being here.’ So it’s been really refreshing…Everywhere I go! Can’t even go to the grocery store without someone saying how excited they are, so it’s just been really refreshing!

DeWanna Bonner lauds Indiana Fever fans for bringing the heat

How does adding DeWanna Bonner change the Indiana Fever’s title aspirations?

Bonner is one of the league’s best rim protectors, and has been for a long time. Despite being a wise old 37 years of age, she is physically more than capable of keeping up with frontcourt across the league. She has the fast-twitch vertical and lateral agility that Aliyah Boston lacks at the center position.

While Bonner will likely be played at the 4 position, she can also play the 5 equally well. She will also be plying her trade with Clark, who is a true marvel as a facilitator. Clark excels at getting her bigs involved, and this will be the 23-year-old’s best supporting cast ever.

If Caitlin Clark, DeWanna Bonner, Kelsey Mitchell and Boston find their groove together, it will be extremely hard for any team to give them legitimate competition. This quartet is undoubtedly in contention to be the best in the league, with each player excelling at a different facet of the game.

Also Read: