Team-by-team capsules

Indiana Fever

2002 roster | 2001 results

PROBABLE STARTERS

C	Olympia Scott-Richardson
F	Nadine Malcolm
F	Tamika Catchings
G	Nikki McCray
G	Rita Williams

2001 LEADERS

PPG	Williams	11.9
RPG	Streimikyte	5.1
APG	Williams	3.6
BPG	Schumacher	1.04
SPG	Williams	2.25

The Fever acquired All-Star guard Nikki McCray during the offseason to bolster their starting lineup.
Mitchell Layton/NBAE Photos

HEAD COACH: Nell Fortner

2001 RESULTS: 10-22
(Sixth place, Eastern Conference; missed playoffs)

2002 DRAFT PICKS:

C Tawana McDonald, Georgia (No. 13)

F Zuzi Klimesova, Vanderbilt (No. 17)

G Kelly Komara, Purdue (No. 34)

C LaKeisha Taylor, Arizona (No. 49; waived)

G/F Jillian Danker, Vanderbilt (No. 52; waived)

PLAYERS ADDED:

G Nikki McCray, via trade from Washington

G Bridget Pettis, via trade from Phoenix

PLAYERS LOST:

F Angie Braziel, traded to Washington

G Gordana Grubin, traded to Phoenix

F Jurgita Streimikyte, will not return for 2002

G/F Stephanie White-McCarty, injured

WHO TO WATCH: No question that the two players to watch on this overhauled Fever squad are fellow Tennessee alums Nikki McCray and Tamika Catchings. Their presence will greatly improv Indiana's offensive arsenal. McCray will add some much needed veteran leadership to a young but talented squad. And, if offseason endeavors are any indication, Catchings has shown that she can compete with the best of them and is an early candidate for Rookie of the Year.

Look for Rita Williams to get some minutes at the point until Niele Ivey is back to 100% after giving birth during the offseason.

ESPN analyst Nancy Lieberman: "The strength of this team is Tamika Catchings. I've talked to everybody, I've seen her, and Dawn Staley recently told me what everyone has said -- Catchings is legit. She can shoot it, take it to the basket, put it on the floor, is working on her passing and is just incredible. As great as Swoopes and Holdsclaw are, they're not half as close athletically to Catchings. This kid is just amazing."

HOW THEY'LL WIN: On paper Indiana is the most improved team this season. With Rita Williams, McCray and Catchings as three of their starting five, the Fever have an All-Star line-up. No doubt they will play an up-tempo style and will run. Point guard Niele Ivey is back in camp after giving birth in February and should be ready to go. Also, look for rookies Tawana McDonald and Jackie Moore to get some time in the post. The bottom line is the Fever have weapons, and they are looking to put the numbers up this season.

WHAT THEY NEED: Two things: points and rebounds. For the Fever to win, they need a strong effort on the boards from a young group of post players. Last season, center Olympia Scott-Richardson led the Fever in rebounding with 5.0 rpg, and received help only from Williams, who averaged 3.3 rpg and was the only other Fever player to grab more than two boards per game. With McCray, Catchings, Williams, and the addition of Bridget Pettis, the Fever should rely more on their outside shooting, and rebounding will play a big part in their ability to control the up-tempo style that they hope to play..

Lieberman: "The biggest problem for this team could be chemistry. They are young and getting them to play together quickly in Nell's system is crucial. Nell is an excellent coach and will have this team working. I'm not sure the Fever will make the playoffs, but they will be very much improved and have the foundation for years to come."

WHERE THEY'LL FINISH: Barring injury (knock on Conseco hardwood) and counting on chemistry, the Fever should make the playoffs in the East this season.

NANCY LIEBERMAN, ESPN ANALYST

"The Fever added some nice players in the draft with Tawana McDonald and Zuzi Klimesova, but a big loss for them on the perimeter and off the bench is that Stephanie White-McCarty won't be playing this season. I really think coach Nell Fortner made a great trade to get Nikki McCray, who is a veteran, can play defense and score. The chemistry between Rita Williams and Nikki should be good, too."