Unexpected Indiana Fever decision backfires

The Indiana Fever picked up three rookies in the 2026 WNBA Draft. At this point in the season, only one of them is still on the team.

The Fever used their 10th overall pick on South Carolina standout Raven Johnson, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year. She isn’t exactly in contention for Rookie of the Year, but she’s provided an impact as a rotational piece for head coach Stephanie White.

Alabama guard Jessica Timmons was Indiana’s third and final pick. However, after selecting her 40th overall in the third round, the team waived her services days before the season started.

Justine Pissott, the 25th overall pick in the draft, secured a developmental contract with the Fever. However, the Vanderbilt guard-forward never got the chance to make her debut for the team. On July 7, Pissott left the Fever to sign with the Las Vegas Aces.

Indiana Fever forward Justine Pissott (13) poses for a photo during media day.

Former Fever rookie Justine Pissott goes off in Aces debut

As it turns out, Pissott is very much capable of playing at the WNBA level.

On Saturday, just days after joining the defending champions Aces, the 6-foot-4 rookie played in her first WNBA game for Las Vegas. Not only did she play, but Pissott made history by scoring 19 points in 10 minutes of action. This was the most points in a single quarter in a WNBA debut.

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While most fans congratulated Pissott on her tremendous achievement, more than a few others could not help but call out the Fever. These supporters believe that Indiana’s unexpected decision to let Pissott leave has now backfired on the team.

“So happy for Justine !!! The Fever really blew a great opportunity with an amazing player !!!” a comment on Instagram read.

“Oh Indy what a mistake!” another said.

“Great job Stephanie white ” a user wrote.

“@indianafever we all have questions,” a reaction read.

“Fever fumbled ” said another.

“Hope she goes off against the Fever tomorrow (worst front office ever),” a fan posted.

Pissott played 13 minutes in Sunday’s game between the Aces and the Fever. She managed just two points on 1-of-5 shooting, one rebound and a block.

It was a lopsided loss for the Aces as the Fever dominated on the road. Pissott watched her former team turn it on en route to a 109-75 blowout in favor of Indiana.