How DeWanna Bonner turns Indiana Fever into true contenders

Bonner, 37, is a six-time All-Star who has quite the resume. She has two WNBA titles, both coming with the Phoenix Mercury, has two All-WNBA appearances, and won Sixth Woman of the Year Award three times. The Auburn product has been impactful in many different roles during her career.

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Last season, she was a thorn in the side of the Indiana Fever. When they battled the Connecticut Sun in the postseason, Bonner was exceptional. She scored 37 points in a pair of games as the Sun swept the Fever, and Connecticut was +30 with Bonner on the floor. She was terrific on both ends.

Now, that talent comes to Indiana, and she will reunite with head coach Stephanie White. An All-Star level talent on the wing will fit right in for the team based in Indianapolis, and Bonner’s two-way play is additive in basically any lineup.

“There’s no substitute for experience. We sat here in November and talked about that, and we’ve got players and are getting players through free agency who have experience,” White said this week. “We’re not going to sacrifice the culture that we have and that we’re going to continue to build.”

Bonner averaged 15.0 points and 6.0 rebounds per game last season with Connecticut. Her three-point shooting numbers dipped, but she made up for it with solid rim finishing and some mid range gusto. The Sun were about 4.5 points per 100 possessions worse with Bonner on the floor, per pbpstats. She made things happen on both ends.

Now, she brings those talents to the Fever. It will be a one-year deal, The Next has learned. Krauskopf has made it clear that she wanted to add been-there, done-that veterans in free agency, and Bonner fits the bill. She has won at the highest level and has quite the list of individual accomplishments.

“I do think this team needs a little bit more experience, probably some more size. If you look at the teams that are in the playoffs right now, they’re loaded with players who have been there,” president of basketball operations Kelly Krauskopf said of free agency.

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Bonner fits in well with the Indiana Fever. She can start on the wing right between Kelsey Mitchell and Natasha Howard, forming a nice starting lineup filled with former All-Stars — four of them could have been All-Stars last season. Adding another scoring threat on the wing will take some pressure off of Mitchell and Caitlin Clark, and Clark-less minutes may no longer require a point guard if Mitchell and Bonner are on the floor.

As a veteran who has played with some of the best players in the league, Bonner should be able to sell others on Indiana while adding to the team’s culture. Her no-nonsense play style will fit right in on a developing roster.

“She understands what it takes to win… and she’s a great calming influence and reasonable voice for us in the huddles and in the locker room, her teammates respect her. For me it’s great to have somebody like that because she is like a coach on the floor,” White said of Bonner last season.

Indiana now has a deep roster of wings with Bonner, Lexie Hull, Sophie Cunningham, Katie Lou Samuelson, and Kristy Wallace. There won’t be enough minutes for all of those players. Clearly, the Fever wanted to upgrade at the position.

Bonner is a big-time add. She’s played with megastars like Diana Taurasi, Alyssa Thomas, and Brittney Griner — among several others — which could make her just as valuable off the floor as on it for the Fever. Her leadership will go a long way.

According to Richard Cohen of Herhoopstats, Bonner’s deal with the Indiana Fever is unprotected for $200,000. That brought the team right up to the salary cap before they moved on from Victaria Saxton on Monday.

After adding both Howard and Bonner, the Fever have a significant amount of talent and frontcourt depth. Another guard would do wonders, but their roster for the coming season — one that will feature a new coach, new front office, and new expectations — is taking shape. Indiana is ready to roll and be a great team next year, and their top additions show it.

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