The WNBA season is fast approaching

With the 2025 WNBA season fast approaching, anticipation is high – but so is scrutiny.

As teams finalize their rosters and strategies, WNBA legend and three-time MVP Sheryl Swoopes is offering some candid opinions, particularly about a recent decision made by the Indiana Fever involving rookie guard Bree Hall.

Swoopes recently joined “The Women’s Hoops Show,” where she discussed several preseason developments. One of the most debated was the Fever’s move to release Hall, a promising young player drafted 20th overall just weeks ago.

Hall’s short stint with the team ended after only three weeks, raising eyebrows – especially Swoopes’, who believes Hall deserved a more extended opportunity.

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“Even though the starters weren’t in, like Sophie Cunningham and Lexi Hull, they’ve been in the league for a while,” Swoopes said. “You actually had players like Bree Hall. Why wasn’t she in that game? If you’re still figuring out who to keep, shouldn’t you be evaluating new talent in real game settings?”

A veteran’s take on preseason strategy

Swoopes’ main concern wasn’t just the release itself but how Hall was utilized in the preseason. In her view, preseason games should be a proving ground for newcomers – not a chance to reinforce what’s already known about returning veterans.

“But to me, when I think about preseason,” she explained, “it really isn’t so much for your players that you know are returning. It’s more about the players you’re unsure about – giving them minutes, seeing how they perform in game situations, even with starters, to understand the chemistry.”

Hall didn’t play in the Fever’s first preseason game, but she logged 16 minutes in their second, a dominant 64-point win over Brazil’s national team. Despite her solid performance – nine points, four rebounds, and strong effort – it wasn’t enough to secure her a roster spot.

Swoopes’ remarks reflect broader concerns about how talent is evaluated and whether some players are being overlooked too early. While she acknowledged not having insider information on the Fever’s decision-making, she questioned the logic behind limiting Hall’s opportunities.

The Hall situation isn’t the first time Swoopes has critiqued the Indiana Fever. Last season, she also questioned the legitimacy of Caitlin Clark’s NCAA scoring record – a comment that sparked conversation across the basketball community.

As the Fever prepare for a season full of expectations and media attention, especially with Clark on board, decisions like these will continue to draw scrutiny. Whether Bree Hall finds another opportunity or not, the conversation Swoopes sparked underscores the importance of transparency and fairness in player development.