Cunningham says Fever stays focused despite high‑profile draft entries

Sophie Cunningham, a guard for the Indiana Fever, told reporters she is keeping her attention on the team’s remaining schedule and not the media frenzy sparked by two former NBA players entering the WNBA draft. "I’m just trying to play my game and help the Fever win," Cunningham said, according to ESPN.

The two men making headlines are Enes Kanter Freedom, a Turkish‑American NBA veteran known for his outspoken political activism, and Royce White, a former NBA draft pick who has become a vocal advocate for mental‑health awareness after publicly discussing his battle with schizophrenia. Both announced they would make themselves eligible for the 2024 WNBA draft, a move that has drawn considerable attention because neither has ever played in the women’s league.

Kanter Freedom’s declaration is largely symbolic; he has used the platform to highlight gender‑equity issues and to support the WNBA’s growing influence in social justice conversations. White’s entry, meanwhile, is intended to raise awareness about the challenges athletes with mental‑health conditions face, and to encourage the league to expand its inclusivity policies. While the WNBA’s eligibility rules allow any player who meets age and citizenship criteria to declare, it is rare for men—especially former NBA players—to do so, making the announcements a notable deviation from tradition.

The Fever, currently sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, are fighting to improve their record in the final stretch of the season. Cunningham’s focus on on‑court performance comes at a time when the team is looking to solidify its rotation and give younger players more experience. Her comment underscores a broader sentiment among many athletes who prefer to let their play speak louder than external narratives.

The episode also reflects the WNBA’s expanding cultural relevance. In recent years, the league has attracted high‑profile allies and sponsors, and the involvement of figures like Kanter Freedom and White could further amplify its platform. Regardless of whether either man ultimately joins a roster, their bids have sparked dialogue about gender barriers in professional sports and the role of advocacy within the league.

For the Fever, the immediate priority remains the same: win games, develop talent, and stay competitive. As Cunningham put it, the distractions on the outside won’t change the work that needs to be done on the court.