This has been a season to forget for Sophie Cunningham. Her disappointing playoff performances have compounded a season riddled with inconsistencies and controversial political takes. Creating such negative noise in the media while failing to make a positive in-game contribution will play a significant role in the Indiana Fever's decision to extend the 30-year-old's expiring contract, and other franchises will likely follow a similar path.
When the Fever needed their rotational players to step up and make an impact in the playoffs, they failed to do so. A'ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces sent Indiana packing as the reigning champions chalked up an impressive 94-83 victory.
Lexie Hull and Makayla Timpson combined for just 4 points on the night, but it will be Sophie Cunningham's contribution that will receive the most criticism due to her sudden rise to fame (or infamy, depending on your belief system). Cunningham registered 5 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists in 23 minutes on the floor.
Cunningham failed to match off-court noise with on-court production
During the Fever's 102-85 Game 1 blowout by the Aces, Cunningham cut a resilient figure, ready to fight for her teammates and her future with the franchise. She scored 13 points and shot 3-for-6 from deep. This is the version of Sophie Cunningham required to make a deep postseason push, allowing Caitlin Clark to fulfill her "destiny" as the face of the WNBA.
However, regular-season inconsistencies crept in after this matchup, and the Missouri alum failed to live up to the "enforcer" tag she so desperately embraced just 12 months earlier. Over the remainder of the playoffs, Cunningham accumulated just 9 points and posted a team-low -19 point differential.
The playoffs were the perfect opportunity for Cunningham to escape the media noise she had created and focus on nailing down her future in the league. Even if the Fever suffered the same fate, a positive showing could have swayed her employers to ignore her controversial beliefs and extend her contract.
After failing to do so, Cunningham has left herself in a precarious position. Organisations looking to grow their brand and establish a championship culture require players who embrace the diverse environment the WNBA has created over the years while also adding on-court value to the roster. At this moment in time, Cunningham is a far cry from being this player.
It is hard to see which organisation will take a chance on Sophie Cunningham after a turbulent season both off and on the court. The Indiana Fever will likely want to escape the media circus that the controversial guard has consistently brought to town, and it would be a huge shock if other franchises didn't follow suit.
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