Once upon a time, Grace Berger was the #7 overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft. At the time, the future looked undeniably bright for the Louisville native as she was able to kickstart her pro playing career within the friendly confines of the Hoosier state as a member of the Indiana Fever.
Berger’s freshman season in the W left much to be desired (36 GAMES x 4.2 PPG x 1.6 RPG x 1.9 APG x 0.5 SPG x 0.2 BPG), but the signs of a potential breakout candidate were impossible to ignore throughout her inaugural WNBA campaign (sizzling shooting splits of 44.9% FG | 47.1% 3FG | 84.0% FT + brilliant ball control as she averaged a single 1.0 TOPG in her 14.6 MPG). There was a lot to look forward to for the combo guard following the conclusion of year 1…
…and then the spectacle which we refer to as Caitlin Clark happened.
With Clark’s shift from Iowa to Indiana came Berger’s shift from the court to the bench, as the sophomore saw action in a mere 9 contests throughout the 2023-2024 season. So, it came as a shock to no one when the Fev Show cut ties with Berger back in February to clear a roster spot heading into the offseason. Unfortunately for the midrange magician, this initial release was only the first domino to fall in a string of brief pit stops:
Over the course of the time since Berger was released by the Fever in February, she has been all over the west coast:
Signed Rest-of-Season Contract with Los Angeles Sparks in June
Waived by Los Angeles Sparks *roughly 3-4 daysafter signing* in June
Signed Hardship Contract with Dallas Wings in July
Waived by Dallas Wings following completion of first 7-daycontract in July
Signed two additional 7-day contracts with Dallas Wings in July/August
Signed Rest-of-Season Contract with Dallas Wings on August 12th
With Arike Ogunbowale actively on the shelf battling tendinitis and Dijonai Carrington no longer with the Wings, Berger has never had a better chance to showcase her skillset than she does right now. Distinguishing herself in Dallas will be easier said than done considering she shares the starting backcourt with prodigal child Paige Bueckers, but tonight’s clash with the Valkyries was a solid starting point for Berger as she looks to solidify herself as a legitimate free agent target for front offices to covet this offseason.
Despite her team taking their 29th L of the year, Berger’s performance was a silver lining for a team shy on those outside of PB5. In 27 minutes, GB9 put up 11 points on 4-9 shooting combined with 3 rebounds + 4 assists(vs. 0 turnovers!) + 1 block. On a rare off night for Bueckers (9 points on 3-12 shooting), it was Berger who stepped up and stood out.
Today was a great reminder of the contributions Berger can provide when she is given the chance to provide them, and the hope is that we will witness similar/increased aggression from the Hoosier legend as she closes out the final 6 games of the 2025 WNBA season. If she does, the hope is that WNBA front office’s will take notice and grant her the rotational role in the 2026 WNBA season which she has so clearly deserved since joining the league.
