Indiana Fever Rookie Raven Johnson Details Unique Bond with Caitlin Clark, Calls Veteran Kelsey Mitchell ‘Impossible to Guard’
Indianapolis, IN – When the Indiana Fever selected Raven Johnson with the 10th overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, the move was immediately met with a mix of excitement and scrutiny. The narrative was unavoidable: Johnson, the defensive stalwart from the South Carolina Gamecocks, was joining the same backcourt as Caitlin Clark, the player who had once been at the center of one of college basketball’s most viral—and painful—moments for her.
Now, months into her professional career, Johnson has opened up about her transition to the WNBA, offering a candid look at her relationships with her new Fever teammates. While the early headlines were dominated by the former rivalry with Clark, it has been another Fever star, veteran guard Kelsey Mitchell, who gave Johnson her true “Welcome to the WNBA” moment.
The “Impossible” Task of Guarding Kelsey Mitchell
In a recent appearance on the “Post Moves” podcast hosted by teammate Aliyah Boston and WNBA legend Candace Parker, Johnson was asked about the biggest adjustment she has faced since leaving college. For a player who built her reputation as one of the nation’s premier perimeter defenders, the answer was surprisingly specific—and humbling.
Johnson recalled the stark reality check of her first training camp practice when tasked with guarding Kelsey Mitchell. The two-time WNBA Player of the Month has been on a historic tear in 2026, averaging 25 points per game, and Johnson learned firsthand why she is considered one of the league’s most lethal scorers.
“I had to guard Kelsey Mitchell, and I’m like, ‘Bro, y’all want me to guard her?'” Johnson recounted on the podcast. “In my head I’m like, ‘I got this.’ She hit me with an in-and-out; it’s hard to guard her. You can’t guard her from the three; she got a quick first step. I’m like, ‘Yo, this girl is so good.'”
The exchange left a profound impression on the rookie. Johnson admitted that the difficulty of containing Mitchell was so striking that she immediately called her mother after practice. “I went home. I told my mom. I said, ‘Mom, Kelsey Mitchell, I never guarded nobody like her,'” Johnson said.
Despite the initial shock, Johnson and Mitchell have developed a strong bond built on mutual respect. Johnson has publicly referred to Mitchell as “the GOAT” and praised her humility, while Mitchell’s relentless approach in practice has seemingly accelerated Johnson’s development.
From Rivals to Teammates: The Caitlin Clark Dynamic
While Mitchell provided the on-court education, the relationship with Clark has been the subject of the most intense public interest. The two guards share a complicated history: in the 2023 Final Four, Clark waved off Johnson on the perimeter, a gesture that went viral and, as Johnson later revealed, subjected her to immense online harassment and nearly caused her to quit basketball.
However, the narrative of animosity has quickly faded. Since joining the Fever, Johnson and Clark have become close, frequently joking and supporting each other. Johnson has described Clark as a “great person” and a vital source of guidance.
“Caitlin, she’s so funny,” Johnson said in a separate interview. “I think people need to know her outside of basketball. She’s literally like me. We’re like more of energy, she’s always having fun, always smiling, always making jokes.”
Clark has reciprocated the praise, confirming that any past tension is long gone. “Raven’s great. She’s so fun, running in our locker room,” Clark said on the same “Post Moves” podcast. Clark noted that the team has moved on from their college days, focusing instead on their shared professional goals.
The two guards have reportedly bonded over their shared competitive fire and sense of humor. Johnson, who has averaged 3.1 points and 1.7 rebounds in limited minutes as a rookie, has leaned heavily on Clark for advice on navigating the pro ranks, calling her a “phenomenal player” and a “winning mentality”.
Finding a Home in the Fever Locker Room
Johnson’s transition has been eased by a supportive environment. She has reunited with former South Carolina teammate Aliyah Boston, who she describes as a “mother figure” who keeps her focused. The rookie guard has also built a strong rapport with other teammates, including Sophie Cunningham, with whom she shares a love for dancing and lighthearted moments.
“I ask a lot of questions,” Johnson admitted. “There’s some times when I kind of zone out, look away, or not pay attention. They get me right. Like they literally snap me back.”
This inquisitive mindset has impressed her coaches and veteran teammates. During training camp, Clark praised Johnson’s rapid improvement and her willingness to learn, describing her as a “really fun addition” to the squad.
For Johnson, the script has completely flipped. What was once a point of tension has become the foundation of a potential championship partnership. As she told reporters shortly after being drafted, she has put the past behind her: “When I put the Indiana Fever jersey on, I said, ‘Let’s try to win a championship together.’”
