Pokey Chatman assumes Fever GM role; Krauskopf remains team president

INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 18: Pokey Chatman talks to the media during a press conference announcing her as the new head coach of the Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 18, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 18: Pokey Chatman talks to the media during a press conference announcing her as the new head coach of the Indiana Fever at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on November 18, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and condition of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: 2016 NBAE (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)

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Yesterday, the Indiana Fever organization announced current head coach Pokey Chapman will assume GM responsibilities, effective immediately.

Former general manager Kelly Krauskopf has been an integral part of the Fever since the inaugural season in 2000. She has served as GM since 2003.

New Role

Krauskopf was tapped to head up the NBA2K League business during the 2017 WNBA season. Although no longer serving as GM, she will remain the Indiana Fever president.

Pacers Sports & Entertainment’s entry into the NBA2K League, the new esports league the NBA announced in May, is the impetus for the leadership realignment.

“We are fortunate to be able to widen Kelly’s duties to include oversight and direction of our esports business and to have an experienced general manager on hand in Pokey to work with Kelly in continuing to keep the Fever as one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises,” said Pacers Sports & Entertainment President and COO Rick Fuson.

Related Story: PODCAST: Indiana Fever head coach Pokey Chatman talks life after Tamika Catchings

Return to the Familiar

Chatman will enter 2018 with the added responsibilities of roster assembly. The dual role is familiar to the former coach/GM of the Chicago Sky. During her tenure with the Sky, where she earned four playoff appearances and a trip to the WNBA Finals in 2014. In those six years, Chatman drafted  All-Stars Courtney Vandersloot (2011, 3rd overall), Elena Delle Donne (2013, 2nd overall).  Delle Donne was named WNBA MVP in 2015.

The Fever went 9-25 in 2017, missing the WNBA Playoffs for the first time since the 2012 season.