Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham wants to make a major change to her game in 2027, a revelation she dropped this week on her “No Hesitation” podcast. Speaking with co-host Drew Hanlen, Cunningham dug into a deep film breakdown, highlighting what makes her so valuable to the Fever and what she knows she needs to work on as she heads into free agency. This isn’t just a casual chat, folks, this is a player looking to evolve, and she’s not holding back.
Unpacking Cunningham’s ‘Bread and Butter’
Let’s be clear, Cunningham’s biggest weapon right now is her elite catch-and-shoot ability. Hanlen’s film analysis confirms it: she drained a scorching 43.1 percent of those shots in 2026, hitting 65 of 151 attempts. That’s her “bread and butter,” as Hanlen put it. She’s a knockdown shooter when she gets the ball in rhythm. But here’s the kicker: Hanlen believes her shot diet, the *types* of shots she’s getting, can, and should, change. For a player entering free agency, taking that next step is everything.
The Game-Changing Off-Ball Movement Cunningham Needs
So, what’s the big adjustment? Off-ball movement. Hanlen argues that Cunningham isn’t widely known for her movement without the ball, and the Fever haven’t exactly run a ton of plays for her over her two seasons in Indiana that emphasize it. But Hanlen showed clips from her University of Missouri days that prove she *can* do it, that she *has* the proficiency for moving off screens and drilling threes. Imagine her coming off pindown screens, relocating around the perimeter. That makes her an absolute nightmare for defenders to track. It also opens up massive space for teammates, potentially players like Caitlin Clark and Kelsey Mitchell, who could still be on her team in 2027. This isn’t just about her; it’s about making the entire Fever offense click harder.
A Moment of Honest Realization
The film study hit Cunningham hard, sparking an incredibly honest realization. “I’m limiting myself,” she admitted. Talk about a gut check! She knows she needs to get back to “repping this type of stuff.” This isn’t just talk. This is a clear declaration from a player who sees her own untapped potential and isn’t afraid to go after it. For a player heading into free agency, showing that commitment to growth, to expanding her game, is huge.
With Cunningham revealing her plan to unlock a new facet of her game for 2027, the stakes are high as she approaches free agency. What team wouldn’t want a versatile shooter who’s actively working to become even harder to guard, especially one who recognizes how her evolution can benefit star teammates? Get ready, because a more dynamic Sophie Cunningham might just be what the league is looking forward to seeing next season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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