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Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham make feelings clear about Fever rookie Raven Johnson
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- Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham make feelings clear about Fever rookie Raven Johnson
Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham make feelings clear about Fever rookie Raven Johnson originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Raven Johnson experienced nearly everything a rookie could expect during her first season with the Indiana Fever . There were promising moments, frustrating stretches and plenty of lessons along the way.
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Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham apparently don't want Johnson dwelling on the difficult parts.
Johnson reflected on her rookie season on social media following Indiana's first-round playoff elimination against the Las Vegas Aces , thanking those who supported her throughout her first professional campaign.
Clark delivered a simple but meaningful response. The Fever star told Johnson she was proud of her. Cunningham also offered encouragement to the rookie, providing another example of how quickly Johnson became part of Indiana's locker-room culture.
Raven Johnson experienced uneven rookie season
Johnson appeared in 39 regular-season games after Indiana selected her with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft. She averaged 3.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game.
Those numbers do not completely explain her season.
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Johnson received a meaningful role early, averaging nearly 15 minutes per game through her first 22 appearances while providing defense and energy behind Indiana's veteran guards.
Her playing time eventually became less consistent. That is hardly unusual for a rookie joining a team with championship expectations.
Johnson also entered the WNBA with an unusual connection to Clark. Years before becoming teammates, Clark famously waved Johnson off at the 3-point line during Iowa's Final Four victory over South Carolina.
The moment became one of the most recognizable images of Clark's college career, but Johnson later acknowledged how difficult the attention surrounding it became.
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Now they're teammates. And Clark is publicly supporting her.
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Fever could have long-term piece in Johnson
Johnson's offensive development likely will determine how significant her role eventually becomes in Indiana. Her defense was never the primary question. The former South Carolina guard entered the WNBA with championship experience, toughness and a willingness to defend opposing ball-handlers.
Indiana does not necessarily need Johnson to become a high-volume scorer. The Fever need her to become dependable.
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With Clark controlling much of the offense, a guard capable of defending, creating occasional opportunities and making open shots could become extremely valuable.
One season into Johnson's WNBA career, Indiana still has plenty to learn about its young guard. Clark and Cunningham apparently have seen enough to believe there is plenty worth developing.
