Is Christie Sides Holding back Caitlin Clark and the Fever?

When the going gets rough, the person at the helm often gets the axe.

That time may be approaching for Indiana Fever head coach Christie Sides. While the Fever hasn't fired Sides yet, the clamor for change is growing louder with each passing game.

The rumblings started when the Fever lost their first five games of the 2024 WNBA season. Fans heavily criticized Sides's decision-making, particularly her questionable benching of Caitlin Clark during crucial moments. The Fever's narrow losses to the Connecticut Sun and the Seattle Storm by an average of 3 points only intensified the scrutiny on Sides's coaching abilities.

Sides's inability to maximize Clark's generational talent has become a glaring issue. Despite Clark's record-breaking college career, her transition to the WNBA under Sides's system has been rocky at best. Let's compare her stats:

2023-24 NCAA Season: 45.5% FG on 22.7 shots per game

2024 WNBA Season: 40.5% FG on 13.1 shots per game

This significant drop in both efficiency and volume is alarming. While the WNBA is undoubtedly a tougher league, many argue that a coach of Sides's supposed caliber should be able to better utilize a player of Clark's abilities.

Sides's recent comment about wanting Clark to shoot more only highlights her failure to create an offense that naturally generates opportunities for her star player. The clip below encapsulates the dilemma:

This play demonstrates Sides's inability to design effective offensive schemes that capitalize on Clark's strengths. Instead of creating space and opportunities for Clark, the offense often looks stagnant and predictable.

Moreover, Sides has failed to address the team's defensive woes. The Fever currently ranks second to last in opponent points allowed (87.3), a marginal improvement from last season's dead last ranking (85.1 OPPG). A competent coach should be able to implement defensive strategies that at least show significant improvement over time.

It's true that the Fever's management bears responsibility for roster construction. However, a skilled coach should be able to maximize the talent available. Sides has shown little ability to do so, failing to develop effective 3-and-D players or create a system that amplifies Clark's unique skillset.

While questions about Sides's coaching persist, a recent development at the WNBA All-Star game has sparked further discussion.

Caitlin Clark seemed to thrive under the guidance of basketball legend Cheryl Miller, who coached one of the All-Star teams. Clark's performance in the game was notable, particularly her record-breaking number of assists.

In a post-game interview, Clark expressed her enthusiasm about working with Miller:

This positive interaction was evident throughout the game, with Miller often seen offering guidance and encouragement to Clark during timeouts.

Miller, known for her basketball acumen, also praised Clark's performance:

The mutual respect between the two was clear, suggesting a strong coach-player chemistry.

This positive interaction with Miller has led some fans and analysts to speculate about what Clark could achieve under different coaching. The chemistry between Clark and Miller was evident, showcasing Clark's ability to excel in a different system and with a coach known for developing talented players.

However, it's important to note that All-Star games are very different from regular season play. The relaxed atmosphere and focus on offensive showcases don't necessarily translate to the grind of a full WNBA season. Still, Clark's performance under Miller's brief tutelage has added another layer to the ongoing conversation about her development with the Fever.

In conclusion, the evidence suggests that Christie Sides is indeed holding back both Caitlin Clark and the Fever. Her inability to design effective offensive schemes, improve the team's defense, or fully utilize her star player's abilities raises serious questions about her fitness for the role. As the losses continue to mount, the Fever management may soon be forced to consider whether a coaching change is necessary to unlock the true potential of their team and their generational talent, Caitlin Clark.

What do you think? Should the Indiana Fever fire Coach Sides and Hire Coach Cheryl Miller?