On the draft night, she was a second-round pick, 19th overall. But then, it was the Indiana Fever who had drafted her– the franchise loaded with superstars, eyes on the title for 2025. The final spot on the roster wasn’t going to arrive easy. She had to fight the experienced, and she had to fight her own class. All she had were three preseason games and two weeks of training sessions. But Makayla Timpson overcame it all, and then some. She isn’t just pleasing Caitlin Clark & Co., the fans, or the analysts. The rookie has reached the GM circles.
“Makayla Timpson is someone that we had really high on our draft board. So when she fell to us at 19, [we were] thrilled,” Amber Cox said on the day after the drafts were finalized. “[She was] the only player to average a double-double in points [and] rebounds, and then three blocks a game. Incredible wingspan at 6’10”, [and] a defensive powerhouse.”
But well, she isn’t the only GM with that high an opinion. In a survey recently revealed, 20% of the GMs are calling Timpson the ‘steal of the draft’, which is tied with Dominique Malonga and Aaliyah Nye for the most votes. Rightfully so.
Makayla scored 15 points with 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block in three preseason games. For Stephanie White, she meets the requirements on the defensive front. For the depth, she is ready for the word ‘go’ at any given minute. The pace doesn’t realize she is still a rookie, and her teammates can count on her not to force things. Timpson is of a proven caliber, and Caitlin Clark is making things easy and better.
Makayla Timpson was tied as the biggest steal of the 2025 draft in the WNBA GMs survey. pic.twitter.com/EEUsXzthUZ
— FeverStats (@FeverStats) May 15, 2025
“That Caitlyn Clark to Michaela Timson connection,” Indiana Fever posted on X a day ago. You could see Caitlin throw an iconic pick-and-roll pass to the newbie, which she finished with a layup. Analyst Rachel DeMita couldn’t help but point out the excitement it is already suggesting and the adaptiveness that flashes the future.
“So, it seems like they are excited about this rookie,” she said following the post. “She’s going to get significant minutes, especially during the second half of the season. She’s young, with fresh legs. They’re going to need somebody like that who can run the floor, play defense, catch those passes from Caitlin Clark.”
That’s a fair analysis, one would say. Though the Fever franchise has added experienced players to their roster, young talent for depth is just as essential. And what about Timpson? How is she feeling about playing for the Fever?
“I’m super excited,” Timpson said. “Grateful for the opportunity, thankful for the staff for believing in me, to get me on the roster, to be a great fit for the team. They’re super great, and I can’t wait to get to the season.” She called her parents first to give the big news. It certainly was massive for the Timpsons’ dad, who now has the first pro athlete in the family. But the work is just about to start…
Caitlin Clark-Makayla Timpson’s connection mimics last season’s Aliyah Boston’s role for the Indiana Fever
Just rewind the second half of the 2024 WNBA season. Aliyah Boston and Caitlin Clark formed a formidable duo on the court. The guard-forward combo was working just perfectly for the side on the offensive end. They only trailed A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young as the best scoring duo. And to add to that, Kelsey Mitchell was ready for the range shot even if both the stars were doubled, forming a perfect ‘offensive triangle’ that worked wonders for the Fever franchise.
Now in 2025, the Fever franchise has multiple shooters and using the Guard-forward combo would be more lethal. If Timpson can form a similar connection with CC or any other guard on the floor, the stars would get some much-needed rest. Moreover, she could be another crucial player catching the full-court passes from CC. Her age, ability to spread the floor, defensive gameplay and ability to integrate into the system will make Makayla Timpson a major force in the Indiana franchise. Yet, HC Stephanie White is not pushing her too hard.
Indiana Fever Makayla Timpson (21) guards Washington Mystics Khadijiah Cave (13) on Saturday, May 3, 2025, during a preseason game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Washington Mystics in overtime, 79-74.
“The most important thing for me right now with KK is just to be a sponge,” White said. “Just learn. You know, there are probably going to be situations where she may or may not be in the rotation. She’s playing behind some Hall of Famers. And so her opportunity to just learn and grow and get experience and reps and practice and stay ready, so that when she does get out there and she does get opportunity, that she’s ready to go.”
Having experienced players around will allow Timpson to grow. Fellow Florida State alumna, three-time WNBA champion Natasha Howard, praised Timpson’s versatility in her recent interview. She is seen as a perfect mentor for young Makayla. But is the Fever team done with their roster now? No.
The Indiana franchise announced its 11-player opening day team. Indiana is only able to carry 11 players to start the season because of salary cap limitations. Yet there is a chance for the franchise to sign a 12th player around the end of June when prorated contracts peter down.
The post Indiana Fever Rookie Earns Fair Share of Trust from WNBA GMs as Caitlin Clark Connection Plays Pivotal Role in Roster Breakthrough appeared first on EssentiallySports.