INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Fever forward Natasha Howard texted Makayla Timpson before each game during the rookie’s junior year at Florida State.
”Happy Game Day. Take the shot you want to take, and if you don’t have the shot, rip and go,” read Howard’s messages.
Two years later, the Florida State alums became teammates when the Fever drafted Timpson in the second round of the 2025 WNBA draft. Their mentor-mentee relationship has only strengthened since Timpson joined Indiana.
Timpson called her rookie campaign “tough” and said it’s been “a lot of learning” but tries not to overwhelm herself with the process. The 22-year-old said she’s growing in her ability to move without the ball, recognizing the significance of “45 and 90 cuts” and its potential to get herself and her teammates open. Through the difficult transition, by her side is an 11-year-veteran and three-time WNBA champion in Howard.
“She’s been leading me the way, guiding me through this process and keeping my head on right,” Timpson said. “I see the things she does and try to model myself after her and be as successful as she has been in the league.”
Howard sees the resemblance between herself and Timpson. Howard said Timpson “brings back memories of me rookie year” because of her athleticism, length and vertical ability.
Drafted in 2014, Howard won a ring alongside Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx) in 2017 and two with Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) in 2018 and 2020. Both Moore and Bird are in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Howard said vets like Moore and Bird made sure “I got everything.” Whether it’s inviting Timpson to her home for a meal or doing TikToks with the Georgia native, Howard hopes to provide Timpson with the same support she received as a rookie.
“I call her my twin. I love her to death,” Howard said. “I always make sure she doesn’t have to pay for anything. When I got in the league, the other vets were making sure I got everything that I need. So, I’m making sure she got everything that she needs.”
Howard often instructs Timpson to be patient and stay intuitive in her first year. Fever coach Stephanie White praised Timpson for being engaged during practice and consistently working with player development coach Keith Porter.
White expects Timpson to play more minutes with Damiris Dantas’ departure to play for Brazil in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. Timpson played five minutes in the Fever’s 85-75 home loss to the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday. On Friday, Timpson played a season-high 14 minutes in the win over Dallas, scoring three points with two rebounds and a steal.
Though Timpson only averages 3.3 minutes per game this season, invaluable time alongside Howard lends White to believe Timpson’s future is bright.
“She has a road map right in front of her, and they have such a unique relationship. I think it’s gonna continue to help her grow in tremendous ways,” White said. “Tash has been someone that’s connected and communicated with her. It’s been fortuitous that they are both here together, and she can help Makayla learn how to be a pro.”
Timpson’s personal goals for the year are to “stay consistent and work hard.” She knows one can’t develop without counsel and seeks advice from all Fever veterans, not just Howard.
“I love wisdom. I love hanging around older people. Not saying they’re old in that way,” Timpson said with a smile. “But just getting that knowledge from them, they know a lot. I want to know as much as they know, and they can correct me anytime they can.
“I’m working hard, and I know when my number is called, I’ll be ready to impact the game and be a great teammate.”
Howard commended Timpson for “staying ready” regardless of her playing time. Because of Timpson’s commitment to preparation, Howard has no doubt her mentee will excel in the WNBA.
“In this league, she gon’ be able to show what she can do,” Howard said.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Makayla Timpson growing despite ‘tough’ rookie year, will be needed with frontcourt depth limited
Reporting by Joshua Heron, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
