The Indiana Fever lies at the bottom of the league with a 3-10 record this season. They’re the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference, holding the third-worst record in the league. Indiana has constantly been beaten up, losing by double digits in seven out of their 13 games.

It was thought that 2024 No. 1 overall pick, Caitlin Clark, would be able to come into the WNBA and lift up the Fever in immediate fashion, but that hasn’t been the case. Clark is just 22 years old and has the weight of the league on her shoulders.

With the Fever’s constant struggles, Clark has gotten most of the blame. Some fans have been quick to point out, though, that Clark doesn’t have much help in Indiana.

Other than the 2023 No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, Aliyah Boston, Clark is working with a multitude of role players against one of the toughest schedules in the league.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks off the court during a time-out Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks off the court during a time-out Thursday, May 9, 2024, during the preseason game against the Atlanta Dream at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Clark leads her team in average points with 16.3, assists with 6.0, and steals with 1.5. That speaks to her incredible skill set, but it also highlights the responsibility Clark has as a first-year pro.

When reviewing the team’s statistics, it may look like Clark and Boston have been left on an island, but the Fever does have one of the highest-paid WNBA players in the league.

According to NBC DFW, Fever guard Erica Wheeler is the 7th highest-paid player in the WNBA, earning an annual salary of $222,154.

“Erica is one of those unique players who can both score herself and create scoring opportunities for others from the point guard position, and the defensive intensity she brings is going to make us even tougher on that end of the court,” said Fever head coach Christie Sides, via Indiana Fever PR.

Sides released this statement following the signing of Wheeler in February of 2023.

Despite the respected statement, Wheeler is having a career-worst year, averaging 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds. She’s started just two games for the Fever this season, falling from her All-Star form just a few years ago.

Wheeler may not be the same player as she once was, but Indiana has been able to use that compensation to turn the guard into a mentor for Clark this season.