The Indiana Fever are exploring ways to bolster their roster and provide better support for star player Caitlin Clark. One NBA veteran, Joakim Noah, believes the team needs to take a more drastic approach: signing an “enforcer” to protect Clark from the physical play she’s been facing all season.
Noah, a former Chicago Bulls player, expressed his concerns about Clark’s safety during an interview at the U.S. Open in New York. “If I were the owner of the Indiana Fever, I’d bring in a real enforcer to protect her,” he said. “She’s an incredibly talented player, and it’s clear she’s being targeted because of her skills. As an owner, my priority would be to win games, and that means getting a player who can deter opponents from taking cheap shots at Clark.”
However, not everyone shares the same concerns. ESPN’s Holly Rowe believes the physical play has been a net positive for the league. “I think it’s good for the game,” she said. “It’s supposed to be competitive, that’s what makes it sports.”
Despite the abuse she’s faced, Clark has continued to excel on the court, breaking rookie records for assists, three-pointers, and triple-doubles. The Fever, meanwhile, have turned their season around, going from a 1-8 start to a 18-17 record and a third-place ranking in the Eastern Conference standings.
While the league may not be taking action to address the physical play, Noah’s suggestion of signing an enforcer may not be a bad idea for the Fever. With Clark’s safety and well-being at stake, the team may need to take matters into their own hands to protect their star player.
