Photo via Yahoo Sports

WNBA Columnist Delivers Unexpected Verdict on Sophie Cunningham's Performance Days After Urging Fever to Drop Her

The Indiana Fever’s off-court controversies have once again put Sophie Cunningham under the microscope, but her on-court contributions are proving harder to ignore. Just days after WNBA columnist Candace Buckner urged the team to consider dropping Cunningham due to her polarizing public statements and perceived divisiveness, Buckner reversed course in a recent interview.

She now praises Cunningham’s role as a complementary piece alongside Caitlin Clark, highlighting her ability to space the floor and provide steady bench production. This season, Cunningham has averaged 7.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 41.9% from the field, with a strong 3-point shooting percentage.

Her presence, Buckner argues, aligns well with Clark’s offensive style, as Cunningham’s defensive intensity and shooting ability create a balanced dynamic off the bench.

Cunningham’s off-court remarks—particularly her viral ESPN interview where she suggested young girls shouldn’t play against biological men—have drawn criticism and support from high-profile figures, including former NBA players Enes Kanter and Royce White, as well as political commentator Riley Gaines. These outside endorsements have only amplified the debate over whether Cunningham’s on-court value justifies the controversy she brings.

Buckner’s shifting stance reflects the complexity of the situation, as the Fever weigh whether Cunningham’s impact on the court outweighs the off-court distractions she continues to generate.

Up nextWNBA· 54m ago

‘They Are Just Thirsty’ — Sophie Cunningham Blasts WNBA Writer’s Piece Calling for Fever Not To Re-Sign Her