Natasha Howard

Selected fifth overall out of Florida State in the 2014 WNBA Draft, Natasha Howard arrived in Indiana carrying the kind of two-way potential that coaches build long-term plans around. On May 25, 2014, still learning the professional game, she rose to the occasion against the Atlanta Dream, catching the ball at the top of the key and rising up for a quick pull-up jumper that contributed to a five-point road win, the first victory of her career. The 12-point, three-steal outing barely hinted at what was coming. Howard would go on to become one of the most decorated defensive players of her generation, earning WNBA Most Improved Player honors in 2018, Defensive Player of the Year in 2019, and three WNBA championships alongside some of the most celebrated rosters in league history. She finished with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Rookie Year