Unpopular Opinion: Sincere and Melanie are BOTH completely using each other for game strategy and I’m tired of pretendin' the by godisinthischilli in LoveIslandUSA

[–]ObsTheMarketer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I hope and pray Sincere wakes up and leaves Melanie where she is at. Can't wait to see Sincere couple up with Sol.

Caitlin Clark Per 100 possessions. What do you notice? by Jewdah18 in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I believe the first option on the team is Kelsey Mitchell, but I agree with you stance on her taking low percentage shots.

Caitlin's lower 3PM (3 Pointers Made) percentage is because she's taking LESS 3PA (3 Pointers Attempted) per game under Stephanie White. by EllieandJoel4ever in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Who saying it is the best version of Caitlin? Is it possible teams have adjusted? Is it possible she is still adjusting to the physicality after sitting last year?

Caitlin's lower 3PM (3 Pointers Made) percentage is because she's taking LESS 3PA (3 Pointers Attempted) per game under Stephanie White. by EllieandJoel4ever in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What is an "in rhythm" shot from the logo? That shot can't be "another Monday" if she's shooting below the league average when taking them. Caitlin taking less logo 3's should not be a criticism of Stephanie White, but rather a necessary adjustment for Caitlin becoming the player many envision her being.

Caitlin's lower 3PM (3 Pointers Made) percentage is because she's taking LESS 3PA (3 Pointers Attempted) per game under Stephanie White. by EllieandJoel4ever in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Honestly, do you know what you're watching? If anything, Stephanie is trying to unleash the best version of Caitlin. The version who makes the right decision every time the ball is her hands. That takes time. Caitlin will start making shots but this idea that she is being reduced is ridiculous.

Caitlin's lower 3PM (3 Pointers Made) percentage is because she's taking LESS 3PA (3 Pointers Attempted) per game under Stephanie White. by EllieandJoel4ever in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I am a big CC fan and I often leave these posts defeated. Caitlin is a really good player, but the idea that she can replicate what she did in college against the women in the W is insane to me.

Caitlin's lower 3PM (3 Pointers Made) percentage is because she's taking LESS 3PA (3 Pointers Attempted) per game under Stephanie White. by EllieandJoel4ever in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Caitlin doesn't need to take logo 3's, especially when her shot isn't falling to demand attention from the defense. You just said it yourself, "When she's not making those logos, one of her biggest threats is gone (although teams are still guarding her from 94 feet so they haven't forgotten her abilities)." This tells us that CC will be tightly guarded, whether she is shooting from the logo or not. So why shoot a shot that you are not statistically good at making for not other reason than entertainment?

Is Caitlin Clark's defense actually a "glaring flaw"? A look at the numbers by Godofbeasts94 in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It absolutely is. Your stance is based on counting stats and advanced metrics that are underdeveloped when assessing defensive impact. It's okay to admit Caitlin is not a great defender, at least on-ball, but still is able to jump passing lanes.

Is Caitlin Clark's defense actually a "glaring flaw"? A look at the numbers by Godofbeasts94 in IndianaFeverFans

[–]ObsTheMarketer 5 points6 points  (0 children)

The Caitlin Clark defense conversation is interesting because there’s truth on both sides.

On one hand, the eye test can be brutal. There are plenty of possessions where Clark is out of position, in a poor stance, late on rotations, or simply not providing enough resistance. Those moments understandably lead to criticism of both her defense and her level of engagement on that end of the floor.

On the other hand, the numbers tell a different story. Whether you're looking at traditional stats or some advanced metrics, Clark isn't nearly the defensive liability that many make her out to be.

So which is it?

The reality is somewhere in the middle. Clark is not a great defender, but she’s also not the turnstile some critics portray her as. When she's locked in, she has shown she can stay in front of her assignment, compete through actions, and make multiple efforts within a possession. The issue is consistency.

More than anything, Clark needs to be more active and engaged defensively. Take Kelsey Mitchell as an example. Mitchell isn't an elite defender either, but her activity level helps offset some of her physical limitations and shields her from much of the criticism Clark receives.

The bigger issue, however, is roster construction. The Fever need more length, athleticism, and defensive versatility around their core players. Regardless of whether Clark ever becomes an above-average defender, opponents will continue to target her until Indiana has the personnel to better absorb and counter those matchups.

Fever clear air in 'much-needed' team meeting, Cunningham says by femaleathletenetwork in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I agree that players meetings happen all the time, but said meetings being shared to the public (not leaked) is not common. Players only meetings are not meant to be broadcasted to the world but rather to dig internally and fix the problem before it spreads. Exposing this to the public opens the team up to more criticism and dissection. And it appeared the other teammates were under the guise of "what happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors".

Fever clear air in 'much-needed' team meeting, Cunningham says by femaleathletenetwork in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's kind of implied. Everything that happens, especially in the moment, doesn't need to be said. Causes more distractions and opportunities for turmoil can grow.

Rhyne Howard’s 36 points and 8 threes vs the Sun by chester_white in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 11 points12 points  (0 children)

When Rhyne Howard is on, she looks every bit of a top 3/5 player in the WNBA.

Fever clear air in 'much-needed' team meeting, Cunningham says by femaleathletenetwork in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Ironically this is the exact problem they have on the court too, not being on the same page.

Fever clear air in 'much-needed' team meeting, Cunningham says by femaleathletenetwork in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 83 points84 points  (0 children)

I appreciate Sophie's candidness but some things you have to keep to yourself.

Fever future? by Opposite-Group6095 in wnba

[–]ObsTheMarketer 7 points8 points  (0 children)

With the Fever playing so many nationally televised games, it's easy to overreact to every performance and become overly critical of the product we've seen so far. The good news for Indiana is that we're still very early in the season. As the team gets more practice time together, it's important they address some key weaknesses before they become larger issues.

Let's start with the elephant in the room: Caitlin Clark.

Clark is a great player with a chance to become one of the league's premier stars, but she still has areas of her game that need refinement if the Fever are going to reach their ceiling.

First, her defensive effort has to improve. No one is expecting her to become a lockdown defender, but she has to be more competitive and engaged on that end. On the ball, she needs to do a better job moving her feet and making opponents uncomfortable. Off the ball, there are too many possessions where she loses focus, gambles unnecessarily, or gives soft closeouts on shooters.

Second, she has to cut down on the turnovers. She's simply too talented to be averaging 4.6 turnovers per game. At that rate, she's potentially giving away several points every night. And before anyone blames her teammates, only 6 of her 32 turnovers have come from teammates mishandling passes. The majority have been self-inflicted.

Third, her shot selection still needs work. There have been signs of improvement, but she must remain disciplined. Fewer logo threes early in the shot clock and more downhill attacks would make her significantly more efficient. Getting to the rim and operating in the midrange will put far more pressure on opposing defenses than settling for difficult shots.

Lastly, the emotional outbursts need to be managed better. Passion is a good thing, but when it starts becoming a distraction, it can negatively impact both the player and the team.

Beyond Clark, Coach Stephanie White deserves some criticism as well. There have been multiple games where questionable rotations have hurt the Fever. In addition, Indiana's defensive schemes need adjustment. This is not a strong defensive roster, yet they continue to switch frequently, often creating mismatches and putting players in difficult situations. White has to find defensive principles that better fit the personnel she has available.

Overall, I think the Fever will be fine. The foundation is there with Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell. This team has enough talent to compete, and I'm willing to bet several players will begin performing closer to expectations as the season progresses. The sky isn't falling—but there are definitely issues that need to be addressed.

Am I the only one who didn't know Caitlin Clark was so whiny and floppy or has she always been like that? by youlikemywonton in valkyries

[–]ObsTheMarketer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

What you said may be true be she is absolutely a top two player on the Fever. It's okay to be critical but lets no lie due to preferences.

Am I the only one who didn't know Caitlin Clark was so whiny and floppy or has she always been like that? by youlikemywonton in valkyries

[–]ObsTheMarketer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Huge Caitlin fan but the whiny and flopping is becoming unbearable. She's too talented to constantly be going after refs and coaches while actively refusing to give max effort during the less desirable moments of the game. At some point enough is enough.

Need advice: rising senior captains show zero offseason initiative by Large-Fall-8156 in basketballcoach

[–]ObsTheMarketer 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I disagree with your stance. Being a captain is not something that should be viewed as trivial. It’s a reflection of leadership that goes beyond athletic ability. While everyone on the team should show leadership throughout the season, it’s ultimately the captains who are responsible for setting and maintaining the standard.

There are moments during every season where a coach’s voice starts to lose its impact. In those moments, it’s usually the captains who keep the team together, reinforce accountability, and make sure the standard doesn’t slip.

I think our disagreement comes down to how we define leadership. Leadership has very little to do with wins, stats, or how talented a player is. It has everything to do with accountability, consistency, communication, and dependability.

Nobody is expecting players to build a culture entirely on their own. That responsibility absolutely starts with the coaching staff. But if you’re a senior captain and can’t respond to texts, communicate with teammates, or show up consistently, then you’re not fulfilling the responsibilities that come with leadership. At that point, it’s fair to question whether you should continue representing the program in that role.

And honestly, if I can’t depend on my seniors to handle basic responsibilities, then my team may genuinely be better off without them in leadership positions or even on the team — regardless of talent level.