In a season where the Indiana Fever have captivated the basketball world, the spotlight has often been on the team’s high-profile stars. But as many observers have noted, the team’s success is built on more than just star power. It’s built on the consistent, reliable, and often understated contributions of players who embrace their roles and excel at the unglamorous aspects of the game. Among them, veteran forward Natasha Howard stands out as a foundational piece, a player whose excellent and consistent work has been a big reason for the Fever’s success.

Natasha Howard’s journey to the Indiana Fever is a full-circle moment. Originally drafted by the Fever in 2014, she was traded away after two seasons and went on to forge a championship-winning career with other franchises. She won three championships with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm and established herself as a top-tier player, earning a WNBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2019. Her return to the Fever in 2025 was a significant move, and she came back not just as a player, but as a leader and a mentor.

As the team’s most veteran player, Howard brings a level of experience and leadership that is invaluable to a young roster. She has played in 53 postseason games, which, as of her signing, was more than the rest of the Fever roster combined. This kind of experience is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for a team with championship aspirations. In a locker room with stars like Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston, Howard’s presence provides a calming influence, a player who understands what it takes to win at the highest level.

On the court, Howard’s impact is a study in consistency and versatility. She is an efficient and productive player who has been a steady presence in the Fever’s lineup. Her 2025 season stats reflect her contribution: 11.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. She is a reliable scorer, a strong rebounder, and a disruptive force on defense.

While her statistics are impressive, they don’t tell the whole story. Howard’s true value lies in her ability to fill the gaps and do whatever the team needs to win. She is a versatile forward who can play both the four and the five, and her defensive prowess and ability to get steals and blocks are crucial for a team that has been working to improve its defensive rating. Her play on the defensive end often ignites the Fever’s fast-paced offense, creating transition opportunities for her teammates.

Howard has also embraced her role as a mentor to the team’s younger players. She has publicly stated her desire to help and mentor the next generation of players, and her actions on and off the court have proven that she is committed to that goal. She is a leader who sets an example with her work ethic and her team-first mentality. She is a big reason why the Fever have been able to overcome a slow start and find their rhythm, as she provides the kind of stability and consistency that a young team needs to succeed.

In a season full of historic milestones and record-breaking moments, the story of the Indiana Fever is not just about the players who have the ball in their hands on every possession. It’s also about the players who do the hard work, who play their roles to perfection, and who are the engine of consistency. Natasha Howard has been that player for the Fever, and her excellent and consistent job is a huge reason why they have had so much success.