Kahleah Copper on fans booing DeWanna Bonner: ‘I don’t understand. She’s a legend’
Phoenix Mercury teammate Kahleah Copper stands up for DeWanna Bonner after Bonner was booed in her return to Indiana.
DeWanna Bonner averaged career-lows of 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds in 9 games for the Fever this seasonBonner said ‘I felt the fit did not work out,’ when she asked to be traded and was eventually waived
INDIANAPOLIS — DeWanna Bonner did not get a warm welcome in her return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
Indiana Fever fans booed Bonner heavily when she checked into the game with about seven minutes left in the first quarter, coming off the bench for the Mercury. The boos continued as she nearly immediately drew a shooting foul, then stepped up to the line to take the shots.
Some fans yelled out “quitter” as Bonner was taking her foul shots, and the boos continued whenever she touched the ball.
Bonner, the longest-tenured active player in the league, had a short stint with the Fever earlier this season. She was one of their marquee offseason signings, with Indiana hoping she could bring veteran experience to a young Fever core.
But Bonner felt early on that she didn’t fit with the team on the court, and the numbers showed it. She had career-lows with 7.1 points and 3.8 rebounds, and was only in the starting lineup for three games before coach Stephanie White moved her to come off the bench.
Bonner played nine games in a Fever uniform, then requested a trade and was away from the team for personal reasons for five games. She was eventually waived from the Fever on June 25 after Indiana could not find suitable trade options.
“I want to sincerely thank the Indiana Fever for the opportunity to be part of the Fever franchise,” Bonner said in a news release. “Despite our shared goals and excitement heading into the season, I felt the fit did not work out and I appreciate the organization’s willingness to grant my request to move on, particularly at this point in my career. I wish the Fever great success as they continue to build around this dynamic group of young players.”
Bonner signed with the Mercury on July 7, returning to the franchise where she spent 10 seasons and won two championships after getting drafted there in 2009. She also reunited with her fiancee, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
“It’s home. I know I’m going to get the love and the support,” Bonner said July 7 via the Arizona Republic. “I know a lot of ladies on the team, but I’m just excited to be back home and the familiarity around this city. I just got here (July 7) and everything is sinking in, but I just wanted to be back home, and it was time.”
Still, Fever fans made their feelings known in their only chance to see Bonner in a Mercury in Indianapolis this season. Phoenix only makes one trip to Indianapolis this year, but Indiana will travel to Phoenix twice before the regular season ends.
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