It’s difficult to make it as a rookie in the WNBA. Passing through from the training camp to the final 11 or 12 player roster is a baptism by fire.
It’s difficult to make it as a rookie in the WNBA. Passing through from the training camp to the final 11 or 12 player roster is a baptism by fire. In fact, Indiana Fever’s Makayla Timpson, the 19th pick in the draft, was the only one who made it among the three draftees from the team. The 6’2 forward had a connection with point guard Caitlin Clark, which helped her get there and eventually impress for the side.
“She’s a great player, and just seeing her grow and us growing together as teammates, making each other better, pushing each other, it’s going to be great,” Timpson said in an interview with Mario Caccianiga of Around The Game, “I love her, how she fights, the things that she’s able to control, and that she doesn’t show. She’s just a strong, strong player, strong-minded. Hopefully, we can just continue to play with each other.”
Like many rookies, Timpson played limited minutes as a rookie. With 7.1 minutes per game, she averaged 2.6 points,0.3 blocks, and 1.8 rebounds. But her talents were still evident. The size and athleticism will be useful for Clark and Co because that was the one thing they lacked in 2025. While Timpson was still undercooked, her experience in the WNBA, USK Praha, the reigning European champions, and at Unrivaled will harden the rookie. Hopefully, Clark will return to her best after her injury struggles to help her translate her game on the court.
“I couldn’t imagine going through the stuff she goes through, but she stays strong,” Timpson said. “She came into the W. She had a great year and was able to make the W what it is right now.”
Aug 31, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) walks on the court before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
As the most popular WNBA athlete, Caitlin Clark has more spotlight than any other player. That invites criticism as well, especially during an injury-prone season. “Obviously, I love playing basketball, but it can be stressful having so many eyes on you all the time, and during the season, you’re just going game to game to game,” Clark has said.
Through all the difficulties, Clark has prevailed. More importantly, she returned to full fitness and attended the Team USA Camp back in December, showing anticipation for the upcoming WNBA season. Clark, Boston, and Timpson are the only three contracted players for the Fever. They are the base of what the Indiana Fever wants to build.
How Makayla Timpson Can Unlock Caitlin Clark
Makayla Timpson already shocked the WNBA world with that monster block against the Los Angeles Sparks. Rickea Jackson drove to the rim, and Timpson came out of nowhere to rise and reject her layup. Her defensive ability and shotblocking will be an asset to the Indiana Fever side. However, the relationship between Clark and Timpson is something to look forward to as well.
In the preseason itself, Timpson had a moment that had Indiana Fever fans dreaming. In a practice tape released by the team, Clark put one of her trademark passes over Timpson. The tall forward used her entire 6’ 10 wingspan to use. While that combination did not see the game due to repeated injuries to Clark, it is still something fans and Timpson herself are hoping will flower.
“She’s going to be a great asset for us as we go forward here. I’m just really proud of her. She comes in every single day, works as hard as she can, and is a great teammate,” Clark has said. “When her number has been called, she’s really produced, so it’s really awesome to see the ways she’s playing, and I know she’ll keep it up moving forward.”
Those over-the-top passes in transition, which Clark makes, could become more frequent with Timpson as the head of the snake. Aliyah Boston has found her creative juice in 2025. And she can move to more of a combo forward position with Timpson occupying the area around the rim. Lexie Hull, who is expected to return, adds the perimeter defense. With that core, Stephanie White has multiple tools to work with even before getting her entire squad in order. Clark is the star, Boston is the anchor, and Timpson could rapidly become the glue piece no one saw coming.
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Category: General Sports
